Chapter 353: Five Star Dou Sheng, The Return of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Powerhouses!
Roar!
A resonating dragon's roar echoed through the sky as brilliant purple gold light erupted from Lu Bu's body, and an overwhelming dragon might surged upward like a storm, shaking the heavens.
"What? Who is this?"
On Eastern Dragon Island, the ongoing battles between Taixu Ancient Dragons momentarily paused as the combatants involuntarily looked toward the volcanic altar, shock written on their faces. This dragon might was refined and pure far beyond what even a Dragon King could muster!
"Heh! Truly worthy of the Dragon Emperor's bloodline!" Man Yan grinned but quickly sneered. "Unfortunately, fate does not favor Eastern Dragon Island. Such a figure is unworthy of belonging to your side!"
Zhu Li's expression darkened. This dragon might wasn't coming from Zi Yan. Although her bloodline was pure, her strength was still too weak to exude such an imposing aura.
Clenching his teeth, Qi You forcefully pushed back Qing Yan, his opponent, and muttered through gritted teeth, "It must be Lu Bu. Hei Qing once reported that Lu Bu has a Dou Technique forged from Zi Yan's blood essence."
When Zhu Li and Qi You had first heard this, they suspected Lu Bu of having ill intentions toward Zi Yan, prompting a thorough investigation. However, not only had they found no harm done to Zi Yan, but they also discovered that her physique had become stronger than her peers, with her cultivation leaving her contemporaries far behind.
Thinking back, it made sense. Lu Bu was an accomplished eight tier alchemist. As long as his intentions weren't malicious, who else would be better suited to help Zi Yan recover from any loss of blood essence?
"Lu Bu may be a five star Dou Zun, but no matter how strong he is, he won't survive against a peak Dou Zun like Xia'ao!" Qi You growled, his ferocious face showing a hint of urgency.
"Attack with full force! Prepare to reinforce them!" Zhu Li exhaled deeply, and dark golden dragon scales began spreading from his neck, their appearance accompanied by an overwhelming aura.
Opposite him, Man Yan's expression stiffened as a look of seriousness emerged. He realized Zhu Li was preparing to risk his life.
Outside the Volcanic Altar
Hiss! Hiss! Hiss!
Purple gold light spread rapidly as a form fitting suit of dragon scale armor materialized over Lu Bu. With the crisp sound of metallic clashing, the thin scales covered his arms, legs, chest, and head, extending all the way to his fingertips.
In an instant, his muscular physique was outlined with powerful contours, exuding the impression of a being who could shatter the heavens with a punch and split the earth with a kick.
Bone spikes extended from his elbows, knees, fingertips, and the tips of his boots, reflecting a chilling gleam under the sunlight. A faint aura of bloodlust emanated from the spikes, enough to make onlookers shudder.
A surge of savage and menacing killing intent erupted. What stood before everyone now resembled a machine designed purely for slaughter cold and merciless.
Dark golden dragon scales adorned with five streaks of purple gold dragon patterns slowly pulsed with power, exuding a terrifying pressure that left many trembling in fear.
With a low rumble, a pair of dark golden bone wings emerged from Lu Bu's back, completing the transformation into a perfect blend of speed and strength.
"Dragon Phoenix?!"
Across from him, Xia'ao's expression abruptly changed as he couldn't help but cry out in alarm. The combination of an ancient dragon's body and a heavenly phoenix's wings was straight out of the ancient texts describing the mythical Dragon Phoenix, the supreme beast.
As a high ranking member of Western Dragon Island, Xia'ao was naturally familiar with such tales. The golden dragon spiraling upward and the purple phoenix soaring into the skies above the volcanic altar made this undeniable. Even a Dou Sheng couldn't ignore such a sight.
"No… that's not it!" Xia'ao quickly denied his own assumption, smirking disdainfully. "You're nothing but a cheap imitation. Those are just gaudy bird wings they're no Dragon Phoenix!"
"So… that brat must be the Dragon Phoenix?" Xia'ao's gaze shifted past Lu Bu to the small figure enveloped in three colored flames atop the volcanic altar.
A sneer far more derisive than before spread across his face. "How laughable… Eastern Dragon Island actually handed over the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit to a little brat who hasn't even matured yet. Do you really think that so called Dragon Emperor bloodline can defy the heavens?"
The Dragon Kings coveted the Dragon Emperor bloodline not only to command the dragon race but also to suppress any potential future threat posed by the Dragon Emperor.
As for the current Dragon Emperor bloodline? It was nothing more than a pathetic, undeveloped child. What was there to fear?
This world operated on strength alone.
Without power, without cultivation, one was nothing but an insect.
Beasts only grew stronger with age. A fledgling dragon like that wouldn't even pose a threat after fusing with the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit.
At this thought, Xia'ao felt a wave of calm. His earlier tension and fear evaporated. What was there to be afraid of? That child was barely a hatchling, far from being a true threat.
"Come then, boy. Show me what your counterfeit Dragon Phoenix can do," Xia'ao mocked, glancing toward the entangled battles between Man Yan, Qing Yan, Zhu Li, and Qi You. A smirk spread across his face. He wasn't in a hurry Southern and Northern Dragon Islands were more anxious than him.
"Xia'ao of Western Dragon Island?" Lu Bu's gaze swept coldly over him. His dragon patterned armor radiated a faint blood red hue as a wave of bloodlust erupted from his body.
It was as if a deeply buried savagery, innate to the ancient dragons, had been awakened in Lu Bu.
"Heh… boy, I don't like your aura!" Xia'ao's eyes flashed with cold light as the veins on his forehead bulged. A nameless rage flared within him. How dare a mere human exude dragon might that suppressed him?
"Die!" Xia'ao roared. A massive, golden scaled claw formed above him, descending with the weight of a mountain, aiming to crush Lu Bu completely.
Boom!
The massive claw descended, shattering layers of air with explosive force. This was a blow that only a half saint could withstand.
Swish!
With a flash of golden light, Lu Bu's figure vanished like a ghost.
"Hmph, trying to show off with petty tricks in front of me…" Xia'ao sneered but quickly froze, his expression shifting.
The Taixu Ancient Dragon race excelled at spatial manipulation, often overwhelming opponents with sheer speed. However, as Lu Bu vanished, Xia'ao realized with horror that his senses couldn't locate him, nor could his spatial techniques lock onto his position.
Clang!
A piercing sound cut through the air as a sinister dragon claw emerged from the void, its five razor sharp tips gleaming menacingly. It shot toward Xia'ao's right eye with chilling precision, so sharp that even his battle hardened scales involuntarily bristled in fear.
Splatter!
Blood sprayed as Xia'ao staggered backward, clutching his right eye, blood pouring through his fingers.
The massive golden claw he had summoned dissipated as his focus broke, and the oppressive pressure vanished in an instant.
In his original position, Lu Bu reappeared, his menacing dragon claw holding a chunk of dark golden flesh that twitched grotesquely.
However, there was no eyeball. Despite catching Xia'ao off guard, the peak Dou Zun's reaction had prevented a critical injury.
Lu Bu's gaze sharpened. No matter he would strike while the iron was hot and finish the job.
"Boy, I'll tear you limb from limb and crush you into pieces!" Xia'ao's voice dripped with venomous hatred as his figure vanished into a distorted spatial ripple.
"Hmph!" Lu Bu snorted coldly. A dark black sheen spread from his brow, covering his dragon scaled armor.
Devouring Abyss Armor!
This armor condensed from devouring energy replicated the defensive properties of the Devouring Corpse. However, unlike the corpse, Lu Bu's mastery allowed him to wield it directly as armor.
The moment the armor formed, space behind him warped as Xia'ao's clenched dragon claw shot toward Lu Bu's back with devastating force.
Bang!
The collision unleashed a massive shockwave, rippling across the battlefield in all directions.
Lu Bu let out a muffled groan as he was sent flying backward, his Tianyao Phoenix Wings spreading wide behind him to stabilize his figure instantly. A trace of fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
Xia'ao's expression turned grim. He glanced at his fist with a mix of doubt and seriousness, then shifted his gaze to Lu Bu. Despite taking a direct hit from his punch one powerful enough to incapacitate even a peak Dou Zun like Qi You Lu Bu had only coughed up a bit of blood, with no other injuries to show.
"There's something on you," Xia'ao muttered, his eyes gleaming with a rare flicker of desire.
"Tell me what it is, and I promise to spare your life!" Xia'ao licked his lips as he stared greedily at Lu Bu. "It must be that black rune from earlier, right?!"
Lu Bu's body tensed, and the five streaks of purple gold dragon shaped markings on his armor began to glow and ripple. Deep dragon roars echoed faintly as cold light surged in his eyes.
"Heh… it's fine if you won't talk," Xia'ao said with a sinister grin, rolling his shoulders. "Once I crush every bone in your body, I'm sure you'll be more cooperative!"
Whoosh!
The air exploded with a sharp sonic boom as Lu Bu's figure disappeared in a flash of golden light.
"Hmph, do you think it'll work again?" Xia'ao sneered, his golden eyes flashing as they scanned his surroundings rapidly.
But… Lu Bu was nowhere to be found.
"Is this brat's soul power that strong? Or… is it that black rune again?" Xia'ao's heart sank, and he instinctively crossed his arms in front of himself.
Boom!
Space trembled violently as a dark gold fist appeared out of nowhere in front of Xia'ao, slamming into his face with raw, brutal force.
The impact compressed the air, twisting the surrounding space and sending shockwaves barreling outward.
Clang!
The sharp sound of metal clashing echoed as Xia'ao staggered backward, his head snapping back. Blood began trickling from both nostrils.
"Boy, if you manage to walk out of here alive today, I'll have no face left to stay in this world!" Xia'ao growled, his voice dripping with venomous malice.
Without waiting for a reply, he shot forward, abandoning his usual spatial techniques. He was determined to beat Lu Bu into submission with his fists, to shatter his bones and every shred of hope in his heart.
"Hmph, then come and try!" Lu Bu's eyes flashed with a savage gleam. Wiping the blood from his mouth, he spread his bone wings and launched himself forward.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
In the skies above Eastern Dragon Island, dark gold and purple gold clashed repeatedly. Punches and kicks filled the air as the half dragon Xia'ao and the dragon armored Lu Bu collided in raw, unrestrained combat.
The resounding clashes of metal reverberated across the island as powerful shockwaves rippled outward. Both the Western Dragon Island's dragon armored troops and the Eastern Dragon Island's defenders scrambled to avoid being caught in the aftermath.
No one dared to get hit by one of those strikes.
"He's actually holding his own against Xia'ao, the commander of Western Dragon Island's Dragon Armored Corps?!"
Qi You and Zhu Li exchanged shocked glances. Even though Xia'ao hadn't used any Dou Techniques, the Taixu Ancient Dragons excelled in raw physical power. For them, true combat often came down to brutal close quarters fighting.
"Damn it, Xia'ao! What are you playing at? How can you not take down a mere Dou Zun?!"
Above them, two thousand foot long dragons were locked in a ferocious struggle, their claws and teeth tearing at one another as their massive bodies twisted through the sky.
The battle between Xuan Mo and Zhu Gang had reached a boiling point, but their mental states couldn't have been more different. Zhu Gang was determined to kill Xuan Mo, ready to sacrifice his life if needed, while Xuan Mo… well, he was just following the Dragon King's orders. Why risk his life for that?
If Zhu Gang weren't so hell bent on fighting to the death, Xuan Mo would have invited him for a drink by now.
Meanwhile, Hei Qing wobbled to his feet from the mountains below, battered and bruised. He glanced at the chaotic battles unfolding around him, his lips twitching in frustration. Why was everyone else fighting, while he was the only one getting beaten up?
Near the volcanic altar, inside the poison barrier, the smiles on Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian's faces slowly faded as worry began to take hold.
"Lu Bu is no match for that man…" Xiao Yi Xian said, her tone tinged with concern as she stuffed a few poison flowers into her mouth.
"Recover as much as you can. If he falls, we'll have to take his place," Medusa said through gritted teeth, her lips stained with potion as she took a deep breath.
Though they had plenty of eight tier pills from Lu Bu, those alone couldn't raise their strength from five star Dou Zuns to a level capable of contending with a peak Dou Zun.
Clang!
A dark gold dragon punch slammed into Lu Bu's chest, sending a terrifying force rippling through his body.
Crack!
A sharp crack echoed as Lu Bu's purple gold dragon armor began to fracture, the force of the punch propelling him backward.
Swish!
In midair, Lu Bu retaliated with a sweeping kick. His leg, adorned with razor sharp bone spikes, sliced through the air with a chilling white gleam, striking Xia'ao square in the chest.
Slash!
Blood sprayed as dark gold dragon scales scattered through the air, revealing white bone beneath Xia'ao's torn chest.
"Heh heh heh… You're dead, boy!" Xia'ao cackled maniacally, the pain only fueling his frenzy.
"Hmph!" Lu Bu snorted coldly, wiping the blood from his mouth. A crazed glint filled his eyes as the five purple gold dragon patterns on his armor began to converge on his right hand. A powerful surge of dragon might burst forth, accompanied by a radiant purple gold glow.
"Now… leave this to me."
Just as Lu Bu prepared to charge once more, a gentle voice interrupted him. A flash of golden light descended, and a graceful figure stepped between him and Xia'ao.
The newcomer wore a dazzling purple gold battle dress, adorned with patterns of golden dragons and violet phoenixes that seemed almost alive. Her pale purple hair was tied into a ponytail that swayed gently behind her.
Her battle dress hugged her curves, accentuating her wild yet alluring figure.
"Zi Yan?" Lu Bu blinked in astonishment. Sure enough, Zi Yan hadn't been lying she really was bigger than Xiao Yi Xian now…
"Mm." Zi Yan turned her head and smiled radiantly, her stunning face glowing with joy.
The scene was vastly different for Xia'ao. His face turned deathly pale as he froze in place, paralyzed by the overwhelming bloodline pressure emanating from Zi Yan.
"The Dragon Emperor… a fully matured Dragon Emperor bloodline…"
"Old fool, you seemed to be enjoying yourself earlier, didn't you?" Zi Yan's beautiful eyes turned cold as she locked onto Xia'ao. A surge of killing intent erupted from her, sharp and overwhelming.
Xia'ao's expression shifted drastically. Without hesitation, he waved his sleeve, distorting space as he attempted to retreat.
"Trying to use spatial techniques in front of me?" Zi Yan sneered, raising her hand. A purple gold beam pierced through the void, appearing directly in front of Xia'ao.
Boom!
The force exploded upon impact, sending Xia'ao hurtling backward, blood gushing from his mouth.
"Impossible! You were just in your juvenile phase moments ago!" Xia'ao screamed, his eyes bloodshot with disbelief.
"Heh…" Zi Yan chuckled coldly, extending her jade like hand. It tore through the void, grabbing Xia'ao by the neck. "Do you think everything you believe is true?"
Xia'ao's face turned red as he struggled, unable to utter a single word.
"Alas… it seems I arrived too late," an elderly voice sighed.
From the void, an old man with a head full of white hair stepped out.
Zi Yan's brow furrowed slightly as she glanced at the newcomer. Her displeasure was evident. Friend or foe?
"Allow me to introduce myself," the old man said, sensing her wariness. Placing a hand over his chest, he bowed deeply. "I am Zhu Tao, here to pay my respects to Her Majesty, the Dragon Emperor!"
Lu Bu's lips twitched. "Of course, reinforcements always arrive the moment everything's over!"
(Chapter End)
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