Chapter 326: Zi Yan: Faster, I Want to Grow Up Faster!
Beside him, Feng Zun zhe and the others were puzzled by Xiao Yan's exasperated, regret filled words. To them, Lu Bu's actions seemed perfectly reasonable where was the so called trickery?
Nalan Yanran, however, couldn't help but twitch her lips. She might not know the full story, but it was clear that the ten silver puppets weren't ordinary.
Given that Lu Bu was, to her knowledge, the only person capable of crafting Earth Demon Puppets, he undoubtedly knew some hidden secrets about them.
Sure enough, a torrent of overwhelming soul power cascaded like a flood, transforming into several strands of fine threads that shot out and embedded themselves into the Earth Demon Puppets.
The soul power surged and glimmered, forming soul imprints that gradually seeped into the foreheads of the glowing silver puppets.
"Heh heh heh... Boy, these puppets aren't bad. My Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan has taken a liking to them!"
But just as Lu Bu was about to finish imprinting the last puppet, a cold laugh rang out.
A soft buzz sounded in the air as golden light flickered. A figure ghosted behind Lu Bu, moving with lightning speed.
Clang!
The void trembled violently as the sharp sound of tearing metal resounded through the air. A golden light blade streaked out, cutting sharply toward the back of Lu Bu's neck.
The white haired man from the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan grinned wickedly, his expression a mix of cruelty and vindication. He could already imagine the moment when he would sever Lu Bu's head and use his blood to wash away the humiliation he had suffered. He wanted to show his clan that he was a proud Heaven Demon Phoenix, not some cowardly rodent who ran from battle.
"You're courting death!" Xiao Yi Xian's pupils shrank abruptly, and her sharp voice echoed out.
Boom!
A surge of gray purple Dou Qi shot into the sky, and a massive gray purple serpent streaked forward like a bolt of lightning, its maw wide open as it lunged for the white haired man's throat.
"Such terrifying poison!"
The faces of those nearby paled instantly, and they hurriedly retreated, their movements hurried and chaotic. Even the faintest whiff of the venomous mist surrounding the serpent left them dizzy and nauseous. If hit directly, they wouldn't just face death they'd never advance in cultivation again.
"Five star Dou Zun?" Ice River Valley's Ice River Sovereign's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected Xiao Yi Xian's cultivation to have progressed so rapidly.
But the next moment, rage surged through him like a fire. His carefully nurtured artificial Woeful Poison Body had been destroyed by these people, leaving him with diminished strength, while they thrived.
"This vengeance must be repaid!" Ice River Sovereign clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding audibly. A mix of fury, jealousy, and resentment swirled within him, turning his eyes bloodshot and sending his long hair flying wildly.
"That woman is actually a five star Dou Zun?" Yao Hua Evil Monarch's expression shifted as a trace of unease crept into his heart. While he didn't fear someone like Feng Zun zhe, a mere four star Dou Zun, a five star Dou Zun was a different story. Should she retaliate desperately, the consequences wouldn't be so easy to bear.
"Heh… isn't it simple to deal with her?" Chen Xian scoffed lightly, waving his folding fan as he sneered. "Uncle Yao, since she cares so much about that pretty boy, why not take down the boy instead?"
"Heh heh…" Yao Hua chuckled faintly but neither agreed nor denied the suggestion.
"You're asking for it!"
A furious roar erupted next to Xiao Yi Xian as the two other Heaven Demon Phoenixes angered by their comrade's plight joined the fray. Sharp claws gleamed with chilling light as they slashed viciously toward Xiao Yi Xian's eyes and chest.
If their attacks connected, even if she survived, she would be permanently disfigured.
Xiao Yi Xian's expression darkened. Facing one five star Dou Zun and one six star Dou Zun at once, the Heaven Demon Phoenixes were clearly shameless.
"Hahaha…" The white haired man laughed triumphantly, his golden light blade glowing with even greater intensity. Its sharpness made the hairs on everyone's neck stand on end.
Snap!
Suddenly, a hand reached out and casually caught the white haired man's seemingly unstoppable strike.
"Who… you?!" The white haired man's face twisted in terror. It was that pretty boy!
Damn it! Why were there two of him?
"Three Thousand Lightning Illusion…" Wind Lightning Pavilion's Lei Zun zhe's face darkened as veins bulged on his forehead. That was supposed to be their clan's secret technique!
"What's going on?!" The white haired man cried out in panic.
Heh. The illusionary figure smiled coldly, tightening his grip.
Crack!
With a sickening snap, the bones in the white haired man's wrist shattered, leaving him writhing in agony.
Boom!
A gust of wind erupted as a pair of beautiful jade like wings sprouted from Lu Bu's back, exuding an overwhelming and domineering presence.
"What's happening?"
The two Heaven Demon Phoenixes attacking Xiao Yi Xian froze mid strike, sensing the familiar aura.
In a flash, Lu Bu had rescued Xiao Yi Xian, effortlessly breaking through their encirclement.
The precarious situation was instantly resolved.
"Heaven Demon Phoenix Wings…" The two Dou Zun Phoenixes finally reacted, their faces twisting in shock and rage as they stared at the jade like wings on Lu Bu's back.
"Huh? Heaven Demon Phoenix Wings?" As the crowd noticed the wings, playful smirks began to spread across their faces.
How interesting. It had been a long time since anyone dared provoke the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan like this.
"You've got guts, kid!" Both Huang Xuan and the black robed Heaven Demon Phoenix expert roared, their auras exploding with fury.
Using the wings of a Heaven Demon Phoenix in front of their clan was a direct provocation an insult of the highest order!
The entire continent knew that tampering with Heaven Demon Phoenix corpses was strictly forbidden. Violating this taboo meant facing relentless pursuit and certain death. If they didn't respond decisively, how could their clan maintain its authority?
"Everyone, this boy has irreconcilable enmity with my Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan. I will kill him here and now. Anyone who dares to interfere will face eternal enmity with us!"
Huang Xuan's voice was cold as frost, carrying an aura of boundless killing intent that sent chills down everyone's spines.
His warning wasn't directed at random factions but at the Falling Star Pavilion. With three Dou Zun experts in their ranks, if they allied with Lu Bu and Xiao Yi Xian, their combined strength would be formidable.
As for the others? They didn't matter. These seasoned veterans wouldn't recklessly involve themselves in the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's disputes.
The crowd chuckled darkly. This journey to the Dou Sheng relic was already proving worthwhile. They hadn't even entered the gate, and there was already such explosive drama.
"Heaven Demon Phoenix? Try me!"
Xiao Yi Xian's white hair billowed in the air as a crimson sigil glowed ominously on her forehead. Her icy and savage aura swept out like a storm.
"What do we do?" Feng Zun zhe asked, his palm glowing faintly with green light.
"Hold on. Those mangy birds can't do anything to Lu Bu," Xiao Yan replied coolly, completely confident in Lu Bu's abilities.
"Do you need my help?" Medusa's sultry voice echoed softly in Lu Bu's mind, laced with a rare hint of tension.
"Not yet…" Lu Bu gently stroked Medusa, who was nestled in his robes, as he whispered comfortingly. Then, with a cold sneer, he said, "The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan sure likes throwing its weight around!"
"Those three eighth tier Heaven Demon Phoenix magic cores? I'll be taking them. One eighth tier core for one four color Soul Cleansing Pill!"
With a flick of his wrist, Lu Bu produced a small, fluffy kitten, its adorably round eyes gleaming. A rich medicinal fragrance wafted through the air as he waved the kitten. "Shall we negotiate?"
"Moreover, I promise to owe you a favor. In the future, if needed, I can refine pills free of charge, even eight or nine colored tier eight pills."
Boom!
The moment these words left his mouth, countless eyes on the plaza lit up instantly, their gazes brimming with fervor and excitement.
Those who had been stuck at the same level for years, or even decades, without any progress, suddenly found their eyes filled with an almost fanatical intensity. Reaching the Dou Zun realm was like ascending to heaven, and the solution pill was a ladder to the skies!
Even if their physical bodies were destroyed, as long as their souls remained intact, an eighth tier alchemist could bring them back to life!
Thoughts flickered through everyone's minds. The atmosphere on the plaza grew increasingly heated. The allure of these pills rivaled, if not surpassed, that of the Dou Sheng's relics!
The situation shifted in an instant.
The Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, who had sought to isolate Lu Bu, suddenly found themselves isolated instead. At this moment, the three members of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan became the targets of everyone's hostility.
"Everyone, think this through! You might get the treasure, but will you live to use it?" Huang Xuan shouted sharply, his piercing gaze sweeping across the crowd in a stern warning.
But a bead of cold sweat slowly rolled down his temple. Was the influence of alchemists really this terrifying?
"Heh... in the Dou Sheng's relic, who's to say who killed who?"
Someone in the crowd sneered at Huang Xuan's warning. Within the depths of the Dou Sheng's relic, anything could happen. Who would know who did what?
What if the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan encountered a Void Ancient Dragon and got eaten? Surely they couldn't blame anyone else for that, could they?
With this thought, the once mighty Heaven Demon Phoenixes suddenly seemed like sheep surrounded by wolves danger looming from every direction.
Even Yao Hua Evil Monarch, who had previously harbored hostility toward Lu Bu, couldn't help but lick his lips. After all, it was a solution pill, and just one could elevate him to the seven star Dou Zun realm!
As for the favor he'd owe? That didn't bother him much.
"What a powerful move..." Not far away, Tang Zhen of Burning Flame Valley murmured, his eyes glowing with admiration. He had initially planned to step in to assist, but he hadn't expected the situation to flip so drastically. Lu Bu didn't need his help at all.
If he intervened now, it would merely be adding icing on the cake. But what he wanted was to offer help when it was most needed. That was how you built lasting relationships.
Behind him, Elder Chi Huo, who had been covering his flushed face, nodded vigorously. "The Valley Master is absolutely right!"
"See? Those mangy birds are no match for Lu Bu. There was never any need to worry," Xiao Yan spread his hands casually, his tone laced with amusement.
Crack, crack, crack!
At that moment, the massive stone gate before them began to rise slowly, revealing a deep and dark passageway within.
Seeing this, the crowd's attention shifted toward the passage, their expressions filled with curiosity and suspicion.
The tense and hostile atmosphere eased instantly. The three members of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan let out a breath of relief, though their eyes still burned with venom as they shot Lu Bu a fierce glare before retreating. They moved to stand alongside the Wind Lightning Pavilion, Earth Tiger Tribe, and Silver Moon Wolf Clan.
Although the passage had opened, no one was in a hurry to charge in recklessly like before. Instead, everyone waited for the first impulsive person to make a move.
Lu Bu glanced around, then gestured with his hand, summoning the silver puppets back into his storage ring. "Let's go!"
He waved at Xiao Yan and the others before disappearing into the passageway in a flash.
Xiao Yan was momentarily startled but quickly gestured for his group to follow, entering the passage right behind Lu Bu.
Seeing the Falling Star Pavilion and Lu Bu's group enter one after the other, the more cautious factions smirked and immediately trailed behind them.
While they lacked the ability to counter the relic's traps, they were confident in their skills when it came to scavenging treasures.
...
After passing through the corridor, Lu Bu and his group found themselves inside a massive hall. The hall was towering, stretching hundreds or even thousands of feet high. Above them, clouds of mist swirled, obscuring the ceiling entirely.
"Lu Bu, should we start looking for the Soul Baby Fruit now?" Xiao Yan asked, chuckling. His tone was polite but tinged with urgency, as though trying to gently prod Lu Bu into action.
"Little one, remember what I told you?" Lu Bu said with a smile as he patted Zi Yan's small head.
"Don't worry. Leave it to me!" Zi Yan puffed out her chest and nodded confidently, her young face full of determination.
The members of the Falling Star Pavilion looked solemn. These were the Pavilion's senior members who had followed Yao Chen and Feng Zun zhe in establishing the Pavilion. Before entering the relic, Feng Zun zhe had already informed them: this seemingly delicate girl was actually a Void Ancient Dragon.
"Ha ha… Many thanks, Senior Sister Zi Yan. I'm deeply grateful!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily, elated that the search for the Soul Baby Fruit was finally beginning.
"Oh…" Zi Yan shot him a glance before shifting her gaze away. Her delicate nose twitched slightly.
Lu Bu had instructed her to first locate the scent of medicinal herbs, then sense whether her bloodline detected any sort of calling. According to Lu Bu, this was vital for her growth extremely important.
As for the Soul Baby Fruit Xiao Yan wanted? That wasn't her priority. It could wait. After all, Yao Chen had already cheated death countless times, so there was no rush.
"Sniff, sniff… I smell a faint trace of medicinal herbs. Very faint…" Zi Yan's nose twitched as her small face lit up with excitement.
Ha ha… Seeing her expression, Xiao Yi Xian couldn't help but laugh as she picked up Zi Yan and gently pinched her cheek. Zi Yan's behavior was simply too adorable.
Nalan Yanran bit her lip lightly. She wanted to pinch Zi Yan's cheek too but didn't dare.
The stories of Zi Yan's monstrous strength were still fresh in her mind. Senior Sister Zi Yan's strength wasn't something one could simply provoke.
"Let's go! Over there!" Zi Yan sat perched on Xiao Yi Xian's arm, pointing toward a path to the left, her little face brimming with excitement. "Hurry! I want to grow up already!"
"Move out!" Xiao Yan exclaimed joyfully, taking the lead and charging ahead.
The grand corridor was vast, and the group of eight passed through swiftly. Along the way, more and more people appeared, some of whom were raiding pavilions or chambers, clearing everything down to the last scrap. The atmosphere was chaotic, filled with noisy disputes.
Unbothered, Lu Bu and his group followed Zi Yan's directions, arriving before a massive stone door.
"This is it! The scent of herbs is strongest here!" Zi Yan declared excitedly, pointing at the stone door.
"Oh… oh…" Xiao Yan nodded repeatedly but couldn't help feeling puzzled. Why did she seem so thrilled about his Soul Baby Fruit?
After confirming that the stone door held no traps, Lu Bu waved his sleeve, sending out a powerful burst of energy that struck the door.
Crack, crack…
With a loud rumble, the stone door slowly began to open, revealing a narrow gap.
"What incredibly tough stone!" Lu Bu murmured in surprise. A casual attack of his could shatter the bones of a Dou Zong, yet it barely managed to budge this door.
As the door opened, the group inhaled sharply.
"So many medicinal herbs!" gasped everyone, their eyes wide with astonishment.
Beyond the door was a massive forest of rare and precious herbs. The fragrant aroma filled the air, intoxicating everyone.
Lu Bu, however, paid no attention to the herbs. His eyes glowed faintly with a violet gold hue as he unleashed his soul power. After a few breaths, a faint but familiar calling resonated within him.
"The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit… I've finally found it!"
A gleam of joy appeared on Lu Bu's face. "Ha ha ha… My great Dragon Queen, you're finally about to mature!"
Thinking about Zi Yan's appearance after her growth, Lu Bu couldn't help but grin widely, his heart racing with excitement.
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