Chapter 398: Eight Star Dou Saint, Zhu Yin!
The space rippled like waves as Lu Bu, Yun Yun, and Medusa followed Zhu Li to a mountain.
At the edge of their vision, a familiar manor appeared. It was Zi Yan's residence, the one they had stayed at the last time they visited.
But now, as they took a closer look, something dawned on them...
"This house looks just like ours," Yun Yun said as she glanced around, unable to hold back her comment.
"That girl probably modeled it after the house we had in Holy Pill City," Medusa remarked.
Before she could finish, a figure flashed above the manor, emerging with the faint undulations of space.
The figure was tall and graceful, with a slender waist and curvaceous hips. Her delicate frame no longer carried the armored demeanor she once had. Instead, she wore a simple white dress, her silky, light purple hair tied into a ponytail. Her delicate eyebrows framed her beautiful face, her eyes clear as autumn water.
With her radiant smile and captivating gaze, she exuded a soft, feminine charm, devoid of any of the Dragon Emperor's commanding majesty.
Behind them, Zhu Li had slipped away at some point, clearly not daring to interrupt the Dragon Emperor's personal reunion.
"Zi Yan!" Medusa and Yun Yun called out excitedly.
"Ah!" Zi Yan let out a cry of surprise. Her lovely face lit up with joy, and with a graceful leap, her lithe figure shot toward them.
"Haha... Come here, let your big sisters take a look at you!" Medusa and Yun Yun stretched their arms out in anticipation of a warm reunion.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, their arms embraced... thin air. Zi Yan had darted past them and flung herself straight into Lu Bu's arms, snuggling against his chest.
"Hahaha, Zi Yan, I thought you were in seclusion and couldn't come out!" Lu Bu said, spinning her around in his arms with hearty laughter.
"I missed you so much, Lu Bu!" Zi Yan murmured softly, her delicate voice muffled as her head nestled into the crook of his neck. Her words carried a coy sweetness that could melt hearts.
Yun Yun: (ಠ_ಠ)
Medusa: (ಠ益ಠ)
Sisters before misters? Apparently not anymore.
…
In the manor, Zi Yan clung to Lu Bu like a large, adorable koala bear. She was nibbling on a bottle of pills as if they were snacks, her expression content.
"You're a grown woman now. Don't you have any shame?" Yun Yun tapped Zi Yan's head lightly, scolding her with feigned annoyance.
"Hehe... Sister Yun Yun, I bet you act the same way when I'm not around!" Zi Yan giggled mischievously, her bright eyes twinkling.
"I do not!" Yun Yun denied emphatically.
"Hmm, I can smell Lu Bu's scent on you, and it's very strong," Zi Yan teased with a triumphant smile. "Just like Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian! I never get it wrong!"
Yun Yun and Medusa's fair faces immediately turned crimson. Even though they knew Zi Yan didn't mean it that way, they still couldn't help feeling embarrassed.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu reclined comfortably, enjoying the playful banter among the three women. The soft fragrance in his arms only added to his sense of ease.
"Ahem, Zi Yan, what's your strength now?" Medusa asked, shooting Lu Bu a glare and quickly changing the subject.
"I just broke through to the one star Dou Saint realm!" Zi Yan said proudly, lifting her chin slightly. "With the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit I obtained, I won't face any bottlenecks in my cultivation. Given enough time, I can even reach the nine star Dou Saint level!"
Yun Yun and Medusa exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of awe. They recalled how Zi Yan, limited by her young age and magical beast constitution, had always been the weakest among them. Who would have thought that, without them realizing it, she had already stepped into the legendary Dou Saint realm?
"What about the Three Great Dragon Kings?" Lu Bu asked, gently playing with Zi Yan's soft hands.
He didn't want a repeat of the original storyline, where the Three Dragon Kings attacked and forced Zi Yan to use the Dragon Slayer Sword in self defense. That technique consumed her life force and caused serious harm so much so that in the original story, she ended up with a strand of white hair.
Now that he was here, Lu Bu would not let such a tragedy occur!
"I plan to start dealing with them once I reach the two star level," Zi Yan said, her golden eyes flashing with a domineering and sharp aura.
"Two star?" Lu Bu frowned slightly at her response.
Sensing his concern, Yun Yun and Medusa immediately picked up on the potential problem. "What are the strengths of those Dragon Kings?"
"Late stage three star Dou Saints..." Lu Bu answered in a deep voice before Zi Yan could speak. "Zi Yan, challenging them at two star Dou Saint is far too risky."
"How do you know their strength?" Zi Yan asked, her pretty face lighting up with surprise.
"What? Late stage three star Dou Saints?" Yun Yun and Medusa exclaimed in shock.
"Relax. I have a plan!" Zi Yan replied firmly. "Don't forget who I am I'm a Dragon Phoenix. Fighting those above my level is second nature to me! Besides, I won't take on all three at once. I'll defeat them one by one. With Elder Zhu Tao holding off the other two, I'll have enough time to win."
Since the return of the East Dragon Island's powerhouses, including Zhu Tao, some of the Ancient Void Dragon clan's strongest elders like Zhu Xuan and Zhu Yin had intentionally kept a low profile. This was to allow Zi Yan to establish her authority as Dragon Emperor without overshadowing her accomplishments.
If all the elders had shown themselves at once, the Three Great Dragon Kings wouldn't stand a chance, but Zi Yan's position as Dragon Emperor might seem less impressive. The elders didn't want to interfere in such a way, as they had only returned for her sake.
"If that's the case, we'll focus on improving our strength and come to help you!" Lu Bu said resolutely.
"Mm hmm!" Zi Yan nodded repeatedly. Although her strength seemed far superior to Lu Bu's, she never underestimated him. After all, much of her current power was thanks to Lu Bu.
Not only had he found the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit for her, but he had also helped her refine it. Zi Yan had always trusted Lu Bu completely.
"Oh, right Elder Zhu Yin wants to meet you," Zi Yan said suddenly, as if remembering something.
"Elder Zhu Yin?" Lu Bu blinked, puzzled. "Who's that? Another elder who's returned recently?"
"A newly returned elder," Zi Yan explained. "He's an eight star Dou Saint."
"Eight stars?!" Lu Bu exclaimed, visibly shocked. "That strong?"
"Yes, but Elder Zhu Tao says Zhu Yin is the strongest among them," Zi Yan said, her brow furrowing slightly. While she was glad such a powerful elder had returned, she couldn't help feeling frustrated.
The strongest elder was "only" an eight star Dou Saint. Lu Bu had once told her that the strongest individuals in the imperial clans were late stage nine star Dou Saints, just one step away from becoming Dou Emperors. Given the Ancient Void Dragon clan's long history, she had expected its powerhouses to rival the imperial clans.
Instead...
"You're still not satisfied?" Lu Bu lightly tapped her forehead, feigning annoyance.
"Alright, let's go meet this elder," he said, standing up. With a flick of his fingers, two fist sized crystals emanating a vast, majestic aura appeared in his hands.
"Yun Yun, Queen Medusa, you two should refine this Dou Saint Energy Core. I plan to stay on Dragon Island for a while," Lu Bu said.
Indeed, this was his plan. Lu Bu intended to use this time on Dragon Island to refine the Soul Origins he had collected.
"Alright… that works," Yun Yun and Medusa exchanged glances and nodded slightly. With Xiao Yi Xian currently cultivating in the ancient tomb, they couldn't afford to slack off. The only regret they had was that dual cultivation wasn't an option at the moment… ahem, but there was no rush for that there would be time for it back home.
"Let's go," Lu Bu said, taking Zi Yan's hand. Zi Yan stepped forward, and together they vanished into the void. Meanwhile, Medusa and Yun Yun each found their own quiet chambers to begin their closed door cultivation.
…
At the peak of East Dragon Island stood the Dragon Emperor's palace, the place where the elders handled all official matters.
At the entrance to the grand hall, Zhu Gang stumbled in with a swollen, purple face, his two front teeth missing just like Zhu Tao's.
"Sigh…" Zhu Tao sighed as he watched him enter. How could anyone show their face before the Dragon Emperor like this? Elder Zhu Yin really had no sense of propriety how could he not give the man who brought the guests back a shred of dignity?
As Zhu Gang walked further into the hall, he looked up and was startled to find that the other elders were just as battered as he was if not worse.
For instance, his elder brother, Zhu Huo, the first elder of East Dragon Island, had one swollen eye that looked like a mere slit it seemed even worse than Zhu Gang's injuries.
Or Zhu Xuan, whose once flawless face was now so bruised and swollen that even her own mother wouldn't recognize her.
Then there was Zhu Tao… but Zhu Gang had already seen his miserable state earlier.
"Heh…" Zhu Gang couldn't help but let out a snicker. So everyone was this miserable, huh?
"Hmm!?"
The elders in the hall instantly glared at him, and a majestic, oppressive aura swept over him like a tidal wave.
Zhu Gang felt as if his chest was being crushed, his breath caught in his throat, and his heart jumped into his mouth. With despair creeping in, he wailed inwardly, It's over… now I'm going to get beaten again!
On the second seat to the right of the throne, a small, white haired elder stroked his beard, his expression calm but with a glint of amusement in his eyes. He watched Zhu Gang's predicament as if enjoying a lighthearted spectacle.
Had Zhu Gang known what Elder Zhu Yin was thinking, he would have cursed him in his heart. You call this a lighthearted spectacle?!
At that moment, the space within the hall rippled faintly, and the oppressive aura from the elders quietly receded.
Zhu Gang let out a long sigh of relief. Dragon Emperor, Your Majesty, you're my savior!
Before he could relax fully, Zi Yan appeared in the hall with Lu Bu. However, her pure white dress had been replaced by a suit of regal, purple gold armor. Her presence radiated majesty and power, exuding the authority of a true Dragon Emperor.
"Greetings, Dragon Emperor!"
Everyone in the hall immediately bowed, even Zhu Yin showing no lack of respect.
"Be seated… ah," Zi Yan began, only for her voice to trail off as she noticed the battered faces of the elders. She quickly pieced together what had happened.
"Hoho… this must be Little Friend Lu Bu," Zhu Yin said as he sat down. His gaze turned sharp as he scrutinized Lu Bu from head to toe, as if trying to see through every fiber of his being.
Zi Yan remained silent. She knew Elder Zhu Yin wanted to test Lu Bu, but she had faith in him. If Lu Bu couldn't pass this test, then perhaps her position as Dragon Emperor wasn't worth keeping.
Under Zhu Yin's piercing gaze, Lu Bu frowned slightly but stood his ground calmly.
"Not bad, not bad…" Zhu Yin nodded slightly. "A six turn Dou Venerate with a peak stage Spirit Realm soul, and you possess the Three Thousand Burning Flame as well."
"These kids call you an eighth tier alchemist, but in my opinion, you must be at the peak of the eighth tier, correct?"
"Elder, you flatter me," Lu Bu replied with a faint smile.
"This isn't flattery. You carry the aura of the Dragon Emperor on you, and your physical body far surpasses those of our clan at the same level. This must be due to some special cultivation technique or Dou Technique, correct?" Zhu Yin continued to evaluate him, nodding in satisfaction.
Lu Bu's abilities, coupled with the fact that Zi Yan's foundation hadn't been compromised, indicated that whatever method they had used was mutually beneficial or that Lu Bu had taken great care to protect Zi Yan while cultivating.
Considering that this same person had brought the clan the legendary Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, which had created a true Dragon Phoenix, Zhu Yin couldn't help but be impressed.
"Elder, you have a sharp eye," Lu Bu responded with a smile.
"Take a seat," Zhu Yin said, his aged face breaking into a rare smile.
Zi Yan's rosy lips curled slightly, a subtle expression of delight.
"This meeting concerns the matter of the former Dragon Emperor," Zhu Yin said after a moment of thought.
"Uh… Elder, do you truly believe the former Dragon Emperor is in the Dou Emperor's tomb? I'm sorry, I'll shut up now," Zhu Tao muttered hesitantly before falling silent under Zhu Yin's sharp glare.
"Hmph! On this Dou Qi continent, only a Dou Emperor could possibly imprison the former Dragon Emperor. Therefore, as Little Friend Lu Bu has suggested, it's highly likely that the old emperor is trapped in a Dou Emperor's tomb!" Zhu Yin said with a cold snort, his sharp gaze sweeping across the other elders.
"You fools couldn't even deduce something so simple!"
And you couldn't either! If you could, why didn't you return sooner? Zhu Tao, Zhu Huo, and Zhu Xuan lowered their heads, grumbling silently in their hearts.
"So, Little Friend, our clan has long resided in the void and knows little about the affairs of the Dou Qi continent especially the imperial clans and the Dou Emperor's tombs," Zhu Yin said solemnly. "Could you share your knowledge with us?"
At this, everyone's expressions changed subtly, and even Zi Yan raised an eyebrow.
Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. Zhu Yin's words carried implications far beyond their surface meaning.
"Elder, are you considering participating in the struggle for supremacy among the imperial clans?" Zhu Tao asked, his fists clenched with unease.
The imperial clans weren't like the Nine Nether Earth Python or the Sky Demon Phoenix clans; they were a group of inherently gifted powerhouses. With the Ancient Void Dragon clan plagued by infighting and centuries of decline, how could they hope to contend with those mighty clans?
"There is such a possibility, but not immediately," Zhu Yin replied calmly. "This matter will only proceed after the Dragon Emperor has unified our clan and grown stronger."
In his view, the Ancient Void Dragon clan had time on their side. Their lifespan far exceeded that of humans, so waiting a century or two or even a millennium was no issue. For now, they needed to gather information and prepare for a potential confrontation, even if it took centuries.
What Zhu Yin didn't realize, however, was that the Tou She Ancient Emperor Jade fragments were already being gathered, and the clock was ticking.
"The details I know about the imperial clans are limited," Lu Bu said after some thought. "If you want comprehensive information, I suggest looking to the Nine Nether Earth Python clan."
"They have a large population and are skilled at gathering intelligence. I'm sure they have detailed knowledge about the imperial clans."
"The Nine Nether Earth Pythons…" The elders exchanged glances, some intrigued and others dismissive, though a hint of battle spirit flickered in their eyes.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen