Chapter 324: Lu Bu: Ah Yes, Yes… I'm Greedy and Lustful!
"Screeech!"
High in the sky, a Void Pegasus Beast as large as a griffon let out a long, resounding cry, its body radiating a silvery glow. It carried Lu Bu, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan as it sped toward the horizon.
The Void Pegasus Beast was a magical beast raised by the Dan Clan. Though technically under their ownership, if the higher ups of the Pill Tower wanted to use it, the Dan Clan couldn't refuse.
This beast resembled the Four Winged Unicorns of the Black Submerged Army but was ultimately very different. While both appeared as horse like creatures with wings, the Void Pegasus Beast was far inferior in capability.
The Pegasus was enormous, capable of growing to dozens or even hundreds of meters if left unchecked. In the original storyline, Dan Chen's chariot was drawn by juvenile Void Pegasus Beasts practically child labor, if one thought about it.
Unlike the Four Winged Unicorn, which could fight alongside its master in battle, the Void Pegasus was purely for transportation and lacked combat ability. It couldn't even outrun a Four Winged Unicorn if it came to a chase.
But that made sense. The Dan Clan, after all, was just a subordinate family of the Pill Tower, leagues behind the ancient clans like the Gu Clan and their Black Submerged Army.
For this trip to the Dou Sheng ruins, Lu Bu had left Qing Lin behind at the estate in the Saint Dan Mountain Range. Yun Yun had not yet emerged from her closed door cultivation, so someone needed to stand guard and protect her. Reluctantly, Lu Bu had to let Qing Lin stay.
As for the Pill Tower's involvement in the ruins? They didn't seem too interested.
High EQ: "It's just a Dou Sheng's remains. The Pill Tower has seen plenty before. Nothing to get excited about."
Low EQ: "Our combat strength is too weak. We'd better not embarrass ourselves."
Beside him, Xiao Yi Xian sat cross legged, carefully studying a sheepskin scroll in her hands. Meanwhile, Zi Yan lounged lazily in Lu Bu's lap, munching on medicinal pills like they were candy. Her gem like eyes sparkled with excitement, occasionally glinting mischievously.
"Lu Bu says I'll find a great opportunity in these ruins. Could it help me grow up? And if I grow up... can I be like Sister Medusa and... mate?"
"Hee hee!" Zi Yan's face lit up at the thought, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she giggled uncontrollably.
Suddenly, Lu Bu's chest moved slightly. Startled, Zi Yan snapped out of her daydream, shoving another pill into her mouth and chewing quickly. Her face was flushed, looking guilty as though she'd been caught doing something naughty.
"Lu Bu, this Beast Region's Skeletal Mountain Range isn't as simple as it seems…" Xiao Yi Xian's soft, serious voice broke the silence. Her delicate brows furrowed, and her expression grew more solemn.
"It's mostly magical beast territory. As long as we're careful, we'll be fine," Lu Bu reassured her, gently draping an arm over her fragrant, rounded shoulders.
"No, I'm talking about the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan!" Xiao Yi Xian tapped the scroll in her hands and explained, "Last time, we killed two of their members during that incident with the Seven Colored Primordial Stone."
"Oh?" Lu Bu's eyebrow arched. In the original storyline, Qing Lin's involvement caused chaos for the Nine Nether Earth Pythons, leaving them too distracted to join the Dou Sheng ruins expedition. But now? Things might be different.
"Don't worry. The Nine Nether Earth Pythons don't even know we killed their Dou Zongs. Besides, our strength is nothing to scoff at. Let them try," Lu Bu said with a light laugh. "And even if they do find out… what can they do?"
If push came to shove, he could always summon Hei Qing, the Taixu Ancient Dragon. As fierce as the Nine Nether Earth Pythons were, they wouldn't dare provoke the Ancient Dragon Tribe lightly.
"Lu Bu's right! Don't be scared I'll protect you!" Zi Yan puffed out her small chest, patting it confidently as she spoke.
Her exaggeratedly mature demeanor made Xiao Yi Xian chuckle, and she couldn't resist pinching Zi Yan's soft cheeks. Still, Zi Yan's words put her more at ease. Lu Bu was right: they'd fought stronger foes before. There was no need to fear the Nine Nether Earth Pythons.
…
The Beast Region, often called the "Ten Thousand Mountains," was a sprawling expanse of lush forests and steep mountain ranges, shrouded in poisonous mists and teeming with magical beasts.
After several days of travel, a strange, silvery white expanse appeared before Lu Bu's group: the Skeletal Mountain Range.
This mountain range earned its name due to the countless skeletons of magical beasts and humans scattered across it. The bodies had mysteriously decayed, leaving only their bones behind. Over time, these bleached remains accumulated to form a sea of pale, bone white mountains a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery.
"So, this is the Skeletal Mountain Range…" Xiao Yi Xian stood atop the Pegasus Beast, gazing at the eerie white terrain below. Her expression turned serious.
"There are quite a few people here," Lu Bu remarked, scanning the area. He recognized many familiar faces, including Xiao Yan and the group from Falling Star Pavilion.
"Looks like we're not late. The ruins haven't opened yet. Let's head down," Lu Bu said with a chuckle, patting the Void Pegasus Beast gently.
The beast let out a cry and descended toward a nearby hill where the Falling Star Pavilion group had set up camp.
…
On the ground, a dozen members of the Falling Star Pavilion were stationed around a cluster of tents. Their faces were brimming with anticipation and excitement.
At the edge of the hill, Xiao Yan and Feng Zun zhe stood side by side, gazing out at the vast expanse of bone white mountains in the distance.
"I wonder if the Soul Infant Fruit is truly inside these Dou Sheng ruins," Feng Zun zhe muttered, frowning slightly.
He had two reasons for coming along. First, to support Xiao Yan one Dou Zun alone wasn't safe in these ruins. Second, to keep an eye on Lu Bu, that cunning fox. Yao Chen had warned him that Xiao Yan's kind hearted nature might make him an easy target for Lu Bu's manipulations.
"Lu Bu may be greedy and lustful, but he's reliable," Xiao Yan said thoughtfully. "Every piece of information he's ever sold me has been accurate... even if he conveniently omits crucial details sometimes."
His mouth twitched at the memory of the times Lu Bu's omissions had landed him in trouble. Damn that Lu Bu!
Before he could complain further, a powerful aura descended from the sky, as heavy and imposing as a mountain.
"Greedy? Lustful? Where did you get that nonsense?" Lu Bu's disgruntled voice echoed from above.
Moments later, Lu Bu, Xiao Yi Xian (her face hidden behind a white veil), and Zi Yan descended gracefully.
Xiao Yan froze, embarrassment flashing across his face before he quickly regained his composure. He snorted and said, "Am I wrong? Aren't you greedy and lustful?"
With five beautiful women by his side each of whom seemed utterly devoted to him and even Cao Ying from the Pill Tower harboring feelings for him, if Lu Bu wasn't greedy and lustful, who was?
Meanwhile, the members of Falling Star Pavilion, startled by Lu Bu's overwhelming aura, rushed out of their tents, thinking an enemy had arrived. Seeing Lu Bu bantering with Xiao Yan, they quickly realized there was no danger.
"That's someone Xiao Yan knows. Disperse," Nalan Yanran said, relaxing slightly when she recognized Lu Bu and Xiao Yi Xian.
"Isn't that…?" Mu Qingluan murmured, her gaze lingering on Xiao Yi Xian. She remembered her vividly from the Tianmu Mountain incident.
"Ah yes, yes… I'm greedy and lustful!" Lu Bu said, shrugging nonchalantly. "When I was five, I snuck into my cousin's room and touched her all over. When I was ten, I spied on my older cousin bathing and blamed her for always washing up where I happened to be."
"You… you… shut up!" Xiao Yan's face turned bright red as he angrily kicked toward Lu Bu. His flushed expression betrayed his emotions though it wasn't clear if it was from embarrassment or fury.
The sharp force of his kick shot forward but dissipated into harmless specks of dust before it could reach Lu Bu.
"Hahaha... Nice weather today! How about we grab a drink?"
"Yes, yes, I agree! And there's that rock over there it's fascinating. Let's go take a closer look."
"Oh, absolutely! And that tree? It's stunning. Let's go water it and loosen the soil!"
"…"
The members of the Falling Star Pavilion quickly scattered, their laughter barely concealed as they found excuses to leave the scene.
"Too juicy! Who would've thought Elder Xiao Yan was like this?"
"I thought someone who reached the Dou Zun stage at such a young age must be highly talented, self disciplined, and driven!"
"I thought someone so young yet accomplished in alchemy must be mature and composed beyond his years!"
"Turns out… hahahaha…"
"Ahem! Silence!"
"Pfft "
"…"
Hearing the suppressed snickers all around him, Xiao Yan's face alternated between red and black as he ground his teeth, glaring daggers at Lu Bu.
"Sister Xiao Yi Xian! Long time no see!" Nalan Yanran waved warmly, pretending she hadn't heard a word of Lu Bu's mockery. She walked to Xiao Yi Xian's side and took her hand.
"Let me show you and Zi Yan around. The terrain here is quite interesting, though there are plenty of enemies. We had to drive off quite a few people to secure this spot."
"Sure…" Xiao Yi Xian smiled softly, her expression unreadable behind her veil, though her warmth was palpable to Nalan Yanran.
"What are you staring at? Let's talk business!" Lu Bu rolled his eyes impatiently.
"There's nothing much to discuss. The space seal is expected to break in a day or two. Only then can we freely enter the Dou Sheng ruins." Xiao Yan's face darkened as he spoke, his tone less than friendly.
"What about the Wind and Thunder Pavilion?" Lu Bu's eyes flicked toward an older man in the distance Elder Qi. The six star Dou Zong looked a bit worse for wear, his robes torn and his body bruised. If Lu Bu's guess was right, the Falling Star Pavilion had clashed with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, just like in the original story.
"Wind and Thunder Pavilion?" Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow. "Their forces are strong. Lei Zun zhe has brought Bei Pavilion Master Fei Tian and several Dou Zong experts from the eastern pavilion."
"Not only that, they've also allied with the Earth Tiger Clan and the Silver Moon Wolf Clan."
At this, Xiao Yan's expression grew somber. Lei Zun zhe, along with the leaders of the Earth Tiger and Silver Moon Wolf Clans, were all Dou Zun level powerhouses. Without the Dou Zun level Sky Demon Puppet, he and Feng Zun zhe might not have been able to handle the Wind and Thunder Pavilion.
"Tian Yao Phoenix again…" Lu Bu's gaze sharpened. His primary goal for this trip was the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, and the Tian Yao Phoenix Clan would undoubtedly be his greatest obstacle.
If they didn't know their place, he would have no choice but to kill them. Lu Bu's eyes gleamed coldly, and a murderous aura surged in his heart. The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was vital for Zi Yan's growth anyone who dared block his path would meet their end.
"Oh, by the way, I heard there's a Tian class Dou Technique in the ruins." Xiao Yan abruptly changed the subject. "Do you know anything about it?"
"No idea. Not interested." Lu Bu shrugged dismissively. "It's just a Tian class Dou Technique. It's not like I haven't seen one before. Even the technique I cultivate is Tian class."
"Tch…" Xiao Yan sneered, his fingers instinctively brushing against his storage ring. "Just a Tian class technique? No need to act so smug."
…
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Around the Skeletal Mountain Range, more and more powerful figures gathered. Waves of overwhelming energy filled the air, drawing attention from all sides.
Suddenly
Boom!
A deafening explosion echoed from the bone white sea of skeletons. A violent spatial ripple spread out in all directions, tearing through the air with devastating force.
"The Dou Sheng ruins have emerged!"
Shouts of excitement erupted across the mountains, and in an instant, the atmosphere grew electric. Crowds surged forward like a tidal wave, their bloodlust and greed filling the air.
At the Falling Star Pavilion camp, Lu Bu's figure flickered, appearing instantly at the forefront. His eyes narrowed as he watched the flood of people rushing toward the bone sea.
"Let's go!" Xiao Yan urged anxiously. The Soul Infant Fruit was within the ruins they needed to act fast.
"Don't rush!" Lu Bu extended a hand, stopping Xiao Yan. Beside them, Feng Zun zhe gestured for the other Falling Star Pavilion members to hold back as well.
Boom!
As if on cue, a massive spatial storm erupted ahead. Blades of spatial energy surged like a hail of arrows, tearing into the leading group of strongmen.
Shhhht!
In an instant, those at the front were reduced to blood mist, vanishing into thin air without so much as a scream.
Behind them, the remaining onlookers felt their scalps tingle with fear. The ferocity of the spatial storm was beyond terrifying.
Yet, just as quickly as it came, the storm dissipated.
"Move!" Lu Bu's eyes glinted as he barked the order. He grabbed Zi Yan's small hand and darted forward, with Xiao Yi Xian close on his heels.
"Follow them!" Xiao Yan signaled Feng Zun zhe and the others. Together, they surged after Lu Bu, bringing Nalan Yanran and a few peak Dou Zong elders along.
The eight of them moved like streaks of lightning, entering the bone sea in a flash. Before long, a towering, crimson palace loomed into view.
"I didn't expect it to be this enormous!" Xiao Yan muttered, his voice heavy with awe. Standing before the colossal structure, he felt like an insignificant ant.
Lu Bu remained calm, his gaze sweeping across the surrounding forces. The ruins had drawn half of Central Plains' most powerful factions.
"Huh? The Ice River Valley?" Xiao Yi Xian's soft exclamation drew Lu Bu's attention. In the distance, a group clad in icy blue robes scanned their surroundings warily. Leading them was the Ice River Valley Master once defeated by Lu Bu.
"His body's been restored, but his strength has declined," Lu Bu noted, smirking faintly. The Ice River Valley Master now possessed only three star Dou Zun strength, a far cry from his former five star peak.
"Lu Bu, you've come too!?"
A delighted feminine voice rang out as a sweet fragrance wafted through the air.
"Huh?" Xiao Yi Xian's gaze sharpened, her expression growing cold.
From within Lu Bu's robes, a small, multicolored snake head emerged, its beady eyes glaring at him as if accusing him of bringing home yet another "sister."
"What the ?" Lu Bu shuddered. "Who is this? I don't even recognize that voice!"
Turning his head, he spotted a young girl in a red dress smiling at Xiao Yan.
"Hahaha… Miss Huo er, long time no see…" Xiao Yan scratched his head awkwardly, his discomfort palpable under the curious gazes of the crowd.
"Hahaha! Lu Bu, my friend, it's been ages! How have you been?"
A middle aged man in crimson robes approached, laughing heartily with a group of elders in tow.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. Among them, he recognized Elder Chi Huo it was the Burning Flame Valley.
"Haha… Elder Tang, it's been a while. I'm doing well, thank you."
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan, sweating profusely, wished the ground would swallow him whole. "This is way too awkward!"
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