Chapter 252: Hiss… Will Xiao Yan Be Angry If He Finds Out?
In the western region of the Central Plains, inside a lively restaurant in a bustling city, several young men and women sat together around a table, drinking and chatting merrily.
"Hahaha, brothers, sisters, have you heard the news?" a teenage boy exclaimed, swaying slightly as he laughed. "The Black Army got completely stuck by a few people from the Soul Clan! Trapped in the southwestern border, unable to advance or retreat, hahaha…"
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Come on, brother, tell us more, haha… Where'd you get this info?"
"The Black Army suffered a setback? Haha, details, details! Waiter, bring us a pot of your best wine!"
"Come now, little brother, tell big sister what happened."
Hearing this, everyone around the table perked up with interest. It wasn't every day the Black Army suffered such a loss.
The boy grinned, delighted at the attention, especially from the older girls. Nothing felt better than being in the spotlight, especially with pretty ladies paying attention.
"Pfft… That's old news!" A young man not far away sneered, a blade of grass dangling from his mouth. He looked carefree and cocky, the kind of guy you wanted to punch just by looking at him.
"Lei Yun, you… why are you butting in!" The boy from before jumped up in anger, slamming the table. "My news comes straight from the Medicine Clan it's 100% accurate!"
"Funny, because my news…"
"Don't tell me yours is also from the Medicine Clan?" the boy sneered. This guy always seemed to enjoy stirring trouble.
The group of young men and women sipped their drinks, watching the two argue like an entertaining show. Occasionally, someone chimed in with teasing comments.
Lei Yun leaned back, grinning smugly. "My news? Heh… I saw it with my own eyes. No exaggerations, no water added!"
"Oh? Now you've got my attention. Tell us more!"
Hearing this, everyone grew even more curious. "Waiter, bring some peanuts and two more jars of wine!"
The beautiful women at the table also turned their gaze toward Lei Yun, eager to hear his story.
The boy from earlier flushed with anger but couldn't help perking up his ears to listen to Lei Yun's account.
"Hehehe… Well, it's true, as he said earlier the Black Army was collectively trapped, losing contact with the Gu Clan. Later, Hun Yu led a group to cause trouble, planning to capture the entire Black Army and bring them back to the Soul Realm."
At this, everyone's expressions changed drastically. If the Black Army had been taken to the Soul Realm, the balance of power on the Dou Qi continent would've shifted completely. The Gu Clan would've gone berserk!
Lei Yun took a sip of wine and grinned. "But guess what happened next? Heh… Hun Yu lost! Not only did he lose, but he was captured and brought into the Gu Realm!"
"What? Say that again?" The entire room was stunned, exclaiming in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding! Hun Yu was captured? Only Lei Dong in our clan dares claim to be stronger than him!"
"Did Gu Qing Yang step in?"
"Come on, spill it already! You're killing me here!"
The group clamored with urgency, bombarding Lei Yun with questions.
Lei Yun chuckled smugly. "You're all wrong. Gu Qing Yang wasn't there. The one who fought was Xiao Yan, but the one who sealed the victory was Lu Bu!"
"Lu Bu? Never heard of him…"
"Xiao Yan… Is there someone with that name in the Gu Clan?"
"Don't rush, don't rush. Let me explain!" Lei Yun laughed, taking his time as he recounted the events he had witnessed. His vivid storytelling, filled with passion and dramatic flair, drew gasps and cheers from his audience.
As Lei Yun spread the story, Xiao Yan's name began to circulate among the ancient Imperial Clans. While some also took note of the name Lu Bu, his mysterious lack of appearances and unknown strength made him less discussed. In contrast, Xiao Yan's feats fighting Hun Yu as a Dou Emperor gained widespread acclaim.
And, of course, the line "Big Brother Lu Bu, save me!" added a mix of admiration and humor to his growing reputation.
In less than a month, Xiao Yan's name had reached the eastern region of the Central Plains and even the Gu Realm. Many people wore strange expressions. Was this Xiao Yan the same one they had heard of? It should be… after all, Hun Yu had indeed been captured…
Meanwhile, in the southwestern region of the Central Plains, within the Black Army's camp, the spatial wormhole connecting to the Gu Realm had been fully restored.
The Black Army boldly set up camp on the Medicine Clan's territory, parading around in full armor. During their patrols, the tips of their standard issue spears occasionally brushed against the noses of the Medicine Clan's iron guards.
The Medicine Clan members were furious but didn't dare speak up. Why? Because the supreme commander of the Black Army, Gu Lie, had barged into the Medicine Realm and dragged Yao Wan Gui out of seclusion.
The entire Medicine Clan was enraged, but Gu Lie wasn't fazed. In front of everyone, he slapped Yao Wan Gui twice and then calmly informed the Medicine Clan leader, Yao Dan, of Xiao Xun Er's identity. He warned them that if anything happened to her, they could expect Gu Yuan himself to descend upon their clan.
Hearing this, Yao Dan broke out in a cold sweat. Then, in his fury, he slapped Yao Wan Gui twice as well, relieved that Xiao Xun Er was unharmed. If something had happened to her, the Medicine Clan might not have been wiped out, but their fate wouldn't have been much better.
One Gu Lie was already enough to terrify the entire Medicine Clan. Add in the fact that the Gu Clan might have multiple Dou Saints at the seven or eight star level, and the Medicine Clan was forced to re evaluate their position.
Thus, the Black Army openly stationed themselves on Medicine Clan territory, and the Medicine Clan no longer dared to voice any objections.
Lu Bu, who was busy recovering from his injuries and cultivating, was oblivious to all this until Yang Hao came to wake him up.
"Why is Xiao Xun Er looking for me?" Lu Bu asked nonchalantly. Since there might be Gu Clan experts around, he decided to act reserved to avoid leaving a bad impression.
"Uh… the Grand Commander said you contributed greatly to saving the Black Army and deserve a reward," Yang Hao replied hesitantly.
"What?" Lu Bu's eyes widened. "That's it?"
"Saving the Black Army is one achievement. Capturing Hun Yu and his group is a second. Curing all the soldiers with antidotes for Dissipating Mist and rescuing countless lives is a third. And she only counts it as one? What is this nonsense?"
Raising three fingers, Lu Bu fumed, "This is ridiculous! A leader who's muddle headed, unclear with laws, blind to opportunities, and unjust with rewards what's the point of having such a commander? Brothers, grab your weapons and follow me. Let's overthrow that so called Grand Commander!"
Yang Hao broke into a cold sweat, frantically grabbing Lu Bu's arm. "Boss, calm down, calm down! The Grand Commander is wise, heroic, and fair. She won't shortchange you. Let's wait and see."
"Pfft! Wise and heroic, my foot! If she's so capable, why would she need me to use Hun Yu as leverage to intimidate the Medicine Clan and construct the spatial wormhole?" Lu Bu sneered.
"Boss, boss, we're here. Whatever you want to say, say it directly to the Grand Commander!" Yang Hao didn't wait for Lu Bu to finish. He bolted, unwilling to get involved any further.
Lu Bu glanced at the meeting hall, muttering curses under his breath as he strode inside.
Inside the hall, Xiao Xun Er sat at the head of the table, her face dark. Lu Bu's voice had been anything but quiet, and with the addition of Dou Qi, his words had already spread throughout the entire camp.
To her right, Gu Yao and Gu Zhen exchanged awkward looks. Lu Bu truly had the nerve to say anything…
Moments later, Lu Bu marched into the hall and plopped himself into the first seat on the left, his exclusive position as a commander.
"What do you want?" Lu Bu snorted, glaring at Xiao Xun Er with clear displeasure.
Xiao Xun Er clenched her fists, resisting the urge to shove her toes up Lu Bu's nose. She reminded herself to stay calm this was meant to reward him. Taking a deep breath, she said coldly, "You've done well, so you deserve a reward."
"Oh, so my Earth Core Soul Marrow has arrived?" Lu Bu asked, still pointing his nostrils at her with disdain.
"No, the Earth Core Soul Marrow isn't something even the Gu Clan possesses…"
"What did you just say?" Lu Bu's eyes widened as he slammed the table and stood up in anger. "You made promises before I came here, and now this? Unbelievable! Do you want me to just kidnap you and ransom you back to the Gu Clan? Hehehe…"
Gu Yao and Gu Zhen twitched uncomfortably at the sinister laugh it sounded more genuine than the Soul Clan's own villains.
Swish! Xiao Xun Er's face darkened as she waved her hand, and a crimson jade scroll appeared in front of Lu Bu.
"What's this?" Lu Bu hesitated for a moment. The energy fluctuations emanating from the jade scroll made his heart race it looked like something valuable.
"A Heaven tier low grade cultivation technique: the Great Burning Origin Codex," Xiao Xun Er said.
"Really?" Lu Bu's eyes lit up, and he finally lowered his nose. Snatching the scroll, he exclaimed in delight, "This is amazing!"
"Yes, it's real," Xiao Xun Er said indifferently. "This is the same cultivation technique I've been practicing. Given your recent contributions…"
"Hiss… this is the technique you're currently practicing?" Lu Bu interrupted, taking a sharp breath. "Xun Er, little sister, if Xiao Yan finds out we're cultivating the same technique, won't he get upset?"
Xiao Xun Er: "..."
I regret everything!
"That's enough! Let's talk about the next matter!" Xiao Xun Er's chest heaved as she struggled to suppress her irritation. "The Earth Core Soul Marrow you asked for while the Gu Clan doesn't have it, the Medicine Clan does. If you want it, you'll have to get it yourself."
Lu Bu glanced at her briefly before shifting his gaze away. By his estimate, Xiao Xun Er wasn't his type, so there was no need to act respectful.
"Oh? Tell me more!" Lu Bu said joyfully. The Medicine Clan had it? That opened up possibilities! As the Black Army's Supreme Commander, he could easily orchestrate a plan. Xiao Xun Er didn't seem opposed to the idea on the contrary, she appeared to be encouraging it.
Interesting.
"The rest of the details will be handled by Gu Yao and Gu Zhen." With that, Xiao Xun Er flicked her sleeve and left the meeting hall, afraid that if she stayed any longer, she might actually die of frustration.
Lu Bu turned his attention to Gu Yao and Gu Zhen. "The Medicine Clan has what I want?"
"They do, but it's located in their herb fields," Gu Yao replied.
"Oh? So you're suggesting…" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. It seemed the Black Army was planning to stir up some trouble.
"Take it by force!" Gu Zhen grinned and said decisively. He waved his arm, unfurling a map in front of Lu Bu.
Lu Bu's eyebrow arched higher. It appeared the Black Army was about to retaliate for the Medicine Clan's previous actions. Excellent!
With a chuckle, Lu Bu felt a surge of excitement. Backed by the Gu Clan, facing the Medicine Clan wouldn't be an issue.
"There's also some intelligence here," Gu Yao added, producing a black scroll. "Commander, Gu Zhen and I will accompany you on this mission."
"However, I have a small request, if the commander would be so kind."
"Hahaha… Gu Yao, my brother, why are you being so formal?" Lu Bu laughed loudly. "We've fought together we're practically brothers! Whatever you need, I'll help. Even if it's an eighth grade pill, I'll figure out a way to get it for you!"
"Could you tell me more about Xiao Yan?" Gu Yao's eyes glimmered with curiosity.
"Oh, that? Of course." Lu Bu grinned. "Xiao Yan is no ordinary person. He has the potential to become a Dou Di an utterly terrifying talent…"
A few days later, in the dead of night.
Under a moonless sky, the forest was alive with the sounds of chirping insects and hooting owls. The cries of venomous snakes echoed eerily, giving the impression that danger lurked in every corner.
A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, the dense leaves brushing against one another with a soft "shh shh" sound. If one looked closely, faint red glows occasionally flickered through the canopy. Upon closer inspection, the glows came from three masses of thick, black mist, each with two blood red eyes glowing faintly from within. The scene was chilling and sinister.
"We're getting close to the herb fields now," one of the figures in the black mist murmured.
"I can sense it. There are Medicine Clan Iron Guards nearby… Gu Yao, come on, at least try to play the part. Give me a creepy laugh 'hehehe'…"
The black mist trembled slightly, betraying its owner's unease.
"Hehehe… Protector Yan, how strong are the guards?"
"Nothing special just an ordinary squad of Iron Guards, five or six people at most." Lu Bu glanced at another mass of black mist. "Hehehe… Protector Zhen, you're getting the hang of it!"
"Hehehe… Protector Yan flatters me!"
The Medicine Clan's herb fields were unlike anything one might imagine. Despite being called "fields," they weren't flat, expansive plots of land with irrigation ditches.
There were no signs of human cultivation here. The area retained the untouched appearance of a primeval forest. Each herb had unique growth environments and habits, so the Medicine Clan couldn't treat it like conventional farming. Planting them in rows would result in their failure to grow.
Atop a mountain peak overlooking the herb fields, a woman in white robes stood with her eyes half closed. A powerful soul force radiated from her brow, enveloping the entire field as she carefully inspected for anomalies.
The woman's face was veiled, her long blue hair flowing gently in the breeze. A faint, exotic fragrance wafted around her, making her seem like a celestial being beautiful and ethereal.
"Hehehe, Sister Yao Ling, you're working so hard…" A man behind her, his face plastered with a fawning smile, spoke warmly.
"You're too kind, Brother Yao Yi. I'm just following orders it's my duty as a member of the Medicine Clan." Yao Ling replied calmly. "The herbs in this field seem to be growing well. I haven't found any issues. You've done a good job managing it, Brother Yao Yi."
"Haha… you're too generous, Sister Yao Ling. How about staying here for the night?" Yao Yi offered.
"Hmm… very well. Please arrange a room for me," Yao Ling agreed.
Ordinarily, it would be inappropriate for a man and woman to stay in the same place late at night. But the Medicine Clan was different. Many herbs bloomed and matured at night, requiring constant monitoring and even occasional intervention. Thus, it wasn't unusual to rest on site during the night.
"How's the Earth Core Soul Marrow my brother reserved?" Yao Ling asked.
"It matured two years ago. Hehe… a thousand year old Earth Core Soul Marrow is an excellent alchemy ingredient. What kind of pill is Brother Yao Tian planning to make?" Yao Yi chuckled.
"I'm not sure. It's likely something related to the soul…"
As they spoke, the two prepared to fly back to their camp. However…
"Hmm?" Yao Ling's nose twitched slightly beneath her veil. "Do you smell that?"
Yao Yi paused. "No… the herbs here shouldn't emit any unusual scents."
"No… something's wrong. It smells like… Bewildering Mist…"
Thud!
Before she could finish her sentence, Yao Ling collapsed to the ground, her eyes wide open. Though she remained conscious, her body was paralyzed, completely limp, unable to move even a finger.
"Damn it!" Yao Yi's expression changed drastically as he tried to summon his energy and call for help. But it was too late.
Clang!
A chain shot out from the darkness, piercing through Yao Yi's chest with a sickening sound and pinning him to the ground.
"Hehehe… Medicine Clan, it's your turn to suffer…"
(End of Chapter)
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