Chapter 298: News of Qing Lin!
High above the sky, a massive blue bird soared with a piercing cry, its powerful wings cutting through the wind as vibrant wind attribute Dou Qi swirled around it, propelling it forward at lightning speed. This was the flying magical beast Lu Bu had casually taken from Elder Qi of the Falling Star Pavilion. Supposedly, it had been raised under the guidance of Feng Zun zhe himself, but none of that mattered anymore the beast's allegiance now belonged to "Lu."
"Yu Jing Teng Jian... Is that our destination?" Yun Yun asked as she carefully examined the scroll Lu Bu had obtained from the She family. Her delicate brows furrowed, and her refined face showed a trace of worry.
"Mm," Lu Bu murmured in agreement, his arms wrapped snugly around Yun Yun's waist. Though she lacked the petite figure of Xiao Yi Xian, her elegance and mature curves left Lu Bu utterly captivated, making it impossible for him to let go. He adored elder sisters the most!
"Lu Bu, behave yourself!" Yun Yun chided playfully, glancing back at him with a hint of exasperation. "I'm trying to think here."
"Yu Jing Teng Jian is shrouded in poisonous mists and riddled with venomous creatures," she continued. "It would've been better to bring Xiao Yi Xian or Medusa along."
"Oh, that…" Lu Bu chuckled softly. When Yun Yun got angry, she wasn't scary at all. On the contrary… she was downright adorable!
"Those poisonous creatures and beasts aren't much of a problem for us," he explained with a smile. "They'll be troublesome at best but far from life threatening. Our main objective is to determine if there are still any Seven Colored Primordial Stones hidden there. These shouldn't be too hard to find… right?"
"And," Lu Bu added casually, "this trip isn't just about Yu Jing Teng Jian. We're also targeting one of the Soul Hall's branch halls."
Yu Jing Teng Jian wasn't the primary focus of this journey. Poisonous creatures, no matter how fearsome, posed no threat to Lu Bu's Earth Demon Puppet or Heaven Demon Puppet soulless, unfeeling constructs impervious to poison. The true objective lay with the Soul Hall.
With the hall's defenses stretched thin and its tantalizing soul essence waiting to be harvested, how could Lu Bu possibly pass up such an opportunity?
"Hm?" Yun Yun looked slightly startled, her beautiful face showing a flicker of surprise. Another attack on the Soul Hall?
"The Soul Hall's forces are weak right now," Lu Bu said, gently nuzzling Yun Yun's fragrant hair. "This is the perfect time to strike…"
Against the Soul Hall, Yun Yun's Fallen Heart Flame was an indispensable asset. While Xiao Yi Xian's poison techniques had grown powerful enough to affect souls, she still struggled to compete with the Soul Hall's specialized prowess in this domain.
"I see…" Yun Yun nodded, her expression softening with understanding.
"Soul essence is invaluable it benefits both you and me immensely," Lu Bu added, playfully nibbling on her earlobe and toying with a strand of her hair.
"Does it offer more benefits than dual cultivation?" Yun Yun asked, her face turning faintly pink. Her tone was light, but her words carried a hint of teasing.
"Ah… you heard that?" Lu Bu blinked in surprise, then chuckled sheepishly.
"Hmph," Yun Yun huffed, turning her face away from him. She refused to acknowledge his cheeky grin, though the blush spreading across her refined features betrayed her embarrassment.
"Alright then," Lu Bu teased. "Next time, we'll dual cultivate properly. Let's aim to surpass Xiao Yi Xian and Her Majesty." He held Yun Yun's slender waist tightly, his body pressing against her soft curves as his fingers idly traced her spine.
"Pfft… can't you be serious for once?" Yun Yun's face burned as she let out a soft huff. Though she feigned irritation, her resistance was half hearted at best much like Xiao Yi Xian's leaving Lu Bu free to do as he pleased.
Lu Bu grinned widely. Angry Yun Yun wasn't intimidating in the slightest; if anything, she was utterly enchanting.
"Hm?" Yun Yun suddenly let out a soft hum of surprise, her expression turning thoughtful.
"What's wrong?" Lu Bu's brows furrowed slightly, recalling the time Xiao Yi Xian had discovered the ambush from the Nine Nether Earth Python clan. Was there trouble ahead?
"News of Qing Lin she's arrived in Central Plains," Yun Yun said softly. She, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian had left Qing Lin a soul jade slip before departing for the Central Plains.
The precaution had been taken after the lesson of Lu Bu's departure from the Northwest Continent without leaving any means of contact. The three women were well aware that the Central Plains were a far more dangerous and complex place, demanding greater vigilance.
"Oh? Where is she now?" Lu Bu's eyes lit up with excitement.
"She's also in the Northern Region of the Central Plains, not far from here," Yun Yun replied with a gentle smile.
Yu Jing Teng Jian was located in the far north of the Northern Region, near the northern edge of the continent. Coincidentally, Qing Lin, traveling from the Northwest Continent, would also have to pass through the Northern Region.
"What a coincidence…" Lu Bu laughed heartily. "Let's go find her!"
"Alright!" Yun Yun agreed, her smile soft and sweet. She lightly tapped the giant bird beneath them, which let out a shrill cry and flapped its massive wings, changing course toward Qing Lin's location.
…
Rongtong City
This city, located in the Northern Region of the Central Plains, lay within the sphere of influence of the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion. Known for its abundant deposits of "Lingye Copper," Rongtong City was a bustling hub of mining activity.
Lingye Copper, also known as "Thunder Metal," was a unique material prized for its hardness and its innate lightning energy. It was invaluable to those cultivating lightning attributed Dou Qi, who could use it to refine weapons or enhance their training.
In the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion, a weapon called the "Thunder Halberd" had been forged from the finest Lingye Copper a material so exquisite that it gleamed like obsidian and was nicknamed "Thunder Stone."
Rongtong City was a mining hub, but the grueling labor fell to the defeated prisoners of sects crushed by the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion. Meanwhile, the city center flourished in opulence, teeming with merchants and bustling crowds.
The disciples of the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion stationed here were notorious for their arrogance, lording over the city's population with an air of invincibility.
Or at least, that was how it had been in the past.
After suffering two brutal beatings from Lu Bu and Medusa, the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion had developed an entirely new disposition. Their once dominating aura had been replaced with cautious humility. The disciples now greeted strangers with politeness and hospitality, striving to avoid conflict at all costs.
The shadow of Lu Bu and his companions loomed large over the pavilion, their reputation casting a pall over the once proud sect. Even Fei Tian, the pavilion's leader, had come to dread their names.
In the aftermath of Lu Bu's visit, the pavilion had adopted an uncharacteristically peaceful stance.
In a secluded corner of the tavern's bustling hall in Rongtong City, two young women sat side by side, their ears perked up as they carefully listened to the chaotic chatter and noisy conversations around them.
"Yanzhen, are you sure this is the best way to find news about Young Master?" Qing Lin asked softly, her eyes glancing around the room.
Truthfully, she didn't need to go out of her way to search for Lu Bu's whereabouts. She knew that Medusa, Yun Yun, and the others had already reunited with him. She had even contacted them herself and was certain that it wouldn't be long before he came to find her.
But Nalan Yanzhen was different. When Xiao Yan had parted ways with her, she had just entered the Gate of Life and Death to train. Xiao Yan had left without the chance to say goodbye or leave a way to contact him. Now, Nalan Yanzhen could only rely on methods like this to gather any news of Xiao Yan.
It was precisely because of this that Qing Lin had crushed the token Yun Yun had left her after all, Nalan Yanzhen was Yun Yun's disciple.
Beside her, Nalan Yanzhen nodded lightly. "Of course. People love to brag at the table, sharing all sorts of stories whether current or from the past. You can always find some clues amidst the chatter."
Her experience training outside in her younger years, as well as leading disciples of the Sacred Gate on missions during her time at Jia Nan Academy, had taught her how to gather the information she needed.
Meanwhile, a group of slightly inebriated men, their faces flushed, was loudly discussing a range of topics. Their table conversation jumped wildly from one subject to another with no logic whatsoever, their voices carrying snippets like:
"Dou Di potential… Xiao Yan… Soul Hall's Hall Master… arrogant fool… laughable… underestimating others… Lu Bu… pinnacle of alchemy… far superior…"
The words drifted into Qing Lin and Nalan Yanzhen's ears, and the expressions on their faces grew increasingly strange. What were they even talking about?
"Your Xiao Yan sure has a big mouth," Qing Lin said flatly, shaking her head. Claiming to have Dou Di potential? Wasn't he afraid of getting beaten for that?
"Uh…" Nalan Yanzhen scratched her head awkwardly. "That doesn't sound right. Xiao Yan isn't the type to boast like that. There's no way he'd put the label of Dou Di potential on himself."
But… the conversation was clearly about Xiao Yan.
Could there really be a second person named Xiao Yan in the world?
"Cough, cough… Let's not dwell on that. Have you managed to contact Medusa or the others?" Nalan Yanzhen quickly changed the subject, clenching her fists lightly.
If Qing Lin had contacted them, it would mean much greater safety for them in the Central Plains. Though the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion disciples here didn't seem as arrogant as she had imagined, what if they traveled to another faction's territory?
The Central Plains were full of powerful individuals and deeply entrenched factions it was no place to let one's guard down.
"I've made contact, but it was Yun Yun that I reached," Qing Lin replied with a smile. Her storage ring also contained soul jade slips for Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian, so she could always try reaching them as well.
There was no rush, though. It was better to wait and see. Who knew? Yun Yun and the others might already be on their way.
"Oh… Teacher…" Nalan Yanzhen's gaze softened with gratitude. She understood that Qing Lin was looking out for her.
Aside from Xiao Yan, Yun Yun was the person she was closest to in the entire Central Plains. If she couldn't find Xiao Yan for the time being, reuniting with her teacher was the next best thing.
"Yun Yun," Qing Lin repeated with a smile. During the year when Young Master had been away, she would often travel from the Heavenly Snake Mansion to the Jia Ma Empire to spend time with Yun Yun, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian. Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian treated her very well, but they were frequently away in battle, unable to keep her company.
Yun Yun and Zi Yan, on the other hand, were different. Their similar levels of strength allowed Qing Lin to fight alongside them, forging closer bonds through shared experiences.
Not far away, several people were beginning to notice the two beautiful young women whose smiles lit up the corner of the tavern. But… no one dared approach. The lesson Wind and Thunder North Pavilion had learned still lingered in their minds. Without knowing these women's backgrounds, no one wanted to act rashly.
In particular, a few disciples of the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion had initially intended to make a move but were immediately smacked back into their seats by their seniors or mentors.
"Want to get yourself killed? Don't drag me into it I'd like to live a few more years!"
The chastised disciples chuckled awkwardly and sat stiffly in place, too terrified to move again. They were acutely aware that any further defiance would be met with far harsher punishment.
"Let's stay here for a few days and wait," Nalan Yanzhen suggested, nodding lightly as she cast a sweeping glance around the room. A sudden burst of killing intent swept through the air like a sharp breeze.
Those who had been sneaking glances at the two women immediately froze, their expressions shifting to shock. Peak Dou Huang… and so young?!
She looked no older than twenty, yet she had already reached such heights in cultivation. Even geniuses like Huang Quan or Wang Chen couldn't compare!
Realizing this, the Wind and Thunder North Pavilion disciples who had been entertaining thoughts of approaching were drenched in cold sweat. Thankfully, they hadn't acted rashly.
Qing Lin simply smiled and observed quietly. If Nalan Yanzhen couldn't handle the situation, she could always step in.
Just then, a faint ripple of energy descended from the sky. Qing Lin's delicate face tensed slightly, but before she could react, a familiar voice reached her ears:
"Qing Lin, I'm above Rongtong City!"
It was Yun Yun!
A flash of joy lit up Qing Lin's eyes. Grabbing Nalan Yanzhen's hand, she quickly made her way outside. Her toes tapped lightly on the ground, and in the blink of an eye, the two of them were soaring into the sky.
"W What?! She's actually a Dou Zong?"
"I thought the peak Dou Huang was already terrifying enough, but her companion is even stronger!"
"Thank the heavens we didn't provoke them."
"Thank heavens? It was ME who held you back!"
"Right, right… Waiter, bring another round of good food and wine! I must toast my dear senior brother/master!"
The tavern burst into a lively commotion, filled with exclamations of relief and gratitude. More than ever, people marveled at the influx of powerful figures passing through Wind and Thunder North Pavilion's territory. It was enough to make their heads spin.
…
High above the sky, Qing Lin and Nalan Yanzhen flew swiftly toward a speck of blue on the horizon.
Qing Lin's spirits soared, her exceptional senses allowing her to discern the familiar figure riding atop the magical beast.
"It's Young Master!" she exclaimed joyfully as they drew closer. Without hesitation, she released Nalan Yanzhen's hand and threw herself into Lu Bu's arms.
"Hahaha! Qing Lin, I've missed you so much!" Lu Bu laughed heartily, wrapping his arms around her snake like slender waist, utterly delighted.
The little girl had grown up. While she couldn't match Medusa in certain areas, she had surpassed Xiao Yi Xian by now and far outpaced Xiao Xun'er.
She had indeed grown!
"Hmm? Yanzhen, you're here too?" Yun Yun asked, surprised to see her disciple. With her newly sprouted wings and peak Dou Huang strength, Nalan Yanzhen had clearly made remarkable progress.
Nalan Yanzhen's expression darkened. This infuriating woman! She finds a man and completely forgets her own disciple! Unbelievable!
(End of Chapter)
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