Chapter 343: The Death Knell of the Spirit Race Has Tolled!
"Friends ahead, please save me!"
The man being pursued, who claimed to be from the Spirit Race, saw a glimmer of hope, clutching at it like a drowning man grabbing the only straw within reach. Without hesitation, he pushed his movement Dou Technique to the limit. Behind him, a plume of white mist and a burst of flame erupted, barely holding back the Soul Palace experts chasing him.
"Seventh Brother, something's up why aren't you making a move?!"
The Soul Palace expert in white robes chasing behind frowned at the sight, his expression darkening. Narrowing his eyes, he swiftly formed hand seals, his deep voice booming as he spoke.
Before his words fell, the space in front of the Spirit Race man twisted violently, and a figure suddenly materialized. Raising a hand, the figure slammed down, unleashing an earthy yellow light that descended with the force of a collapsing mountain.
The Spirit Race man's face instantly turned ashen. Confronting death head on, his hands and feet went cold as though he'd fallen into an abyss of ice.
"Lu Bu, should I step in?" Tianhuo Zun zhe frowned slightly, deep yellow flames surging in his palm, their fiery and violent aura ready to erupt.
"No need to rush," Lu Bu waved his hand dismissively. "The Spirit Race is adept in soul techniques. Saving him won't be difficult we needn't act prematurely."
Meanwhile, facing the impending crushing force of death, the Spirit Race man realized that those people weren't going to save him. His pale face suddenly flushed red as bloodlust filled his eyes. A manic expression spread across his face as an explosive aura surged violently from his body.
"Seventh Brother, retreat! He's going to self detonate!" shouted the Soul Palace expert in white, his face changing drastically.
The other Soul Palace expert, addressed as "Seventh Brother," frowned slightly but swiftly waved his sleeve. The space before him twisted violently, forming an impenetrable and heavy invisible barrier.
Boom!
A deafening explosion ripped through the air, unleashing violent energy that tore apart the surroundings, scattering flesh and blood in every direction with reckless destruction.
"A Four Star Dou Zun?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. The Spirit Race man's strength was merely at the Four Star Dou Zun level. Moreover, he hadn't used his clan's signature ability the clan pattern.
In a life or death situation, it was impossible for him to hold back. This could mean only one thing: this so called Spirit Race man didn't have a clan pattern.
Now, this was getting interesting.
Lu Bu's gaze flickered, thoughts racing as he silently contemplated.
"A Four Star Dou Zun? Why would the Soul Palace send two such strong Dou Zuns to hunt down a mere Four Star Dou Zun?" Xiao Yi Xian, standing beside Lu Bu, murmured in confusion.
"The strength of those two Soul Palace experts is at least at the Eight Star Dou Zun level, possibly even Nine Star Dou Zun," Medusa said solemnly, her beautiful eyes filled with seriousness.
"Hm?" Lu Bu snapped out of his thoughts at Medusa's words. His brows furrowed slightly as he observed the two Soul Palace experts.
The white robed expert exuded cold air and black mist. The terrifying strength of an Eight Star Dou Zun emanated from him, and even Lu Bu felt a twinge of alarm. This man seemed even stronger than the Ninth Heavenly Sovereign he had encountered before.
"If I'm not mistaken, he's likely the Eighth Heavenly Sovereign of the Soul Palace..." Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. As for the man addressed as "Seventh Brother," he was likely the Seventh Heavenly Sovereign.
"The Soul Palace actually dispatched two such powerhouses to chase down a mere Four Star Dou Zun?" Yao Zi frowned nearby. "Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut what an overkill!"
Perhaps this was why the Soul Palace had so many of its powerful warriors tied up elsewhere. Lu Bu's thoughts churned as his gaze grew increasingly grave. Whether this was true or not, a single question would reveal the answer.
"Damn it... so close, yet so far!" The Eighth Heavenly Sovereign waved his hand, brushing away the lingering blood mist and shredded flesh before him. His face was dark with fury.
"It doesn't matter. That guy hadn't even formed his clan pattern. His bloodline was as thin as the Nine Serene Underworld Python's. Dead or alive, he's insignificant," the Seventh Heavenly Sovereign said indifferently. "Capturing his father will suffice."
The two exchanged a few curt words. Then, with a sweep of his sleeve, the Seventh Heavenly Sovereign released a black mist from his robe. A black soul chain shot forth like a serpent.
The violent winds accompanying the soul chain swept across the area. In an instant, the space twisted before being torn apart, revealing a trembling, terrified soul that had been hidden within.
"Hehehe… trying such tricks in front of the Soul Palace? You must be looking down on us!" The Seventh Heavenly Sovereign sneered, murderous intent surging on his face.
But just then, an identical black soul chain shot out from another direction. Though it arrived later, it moved faster, seizing the Spirit Race soul before the Seventh Heavenly Sovereign's chain could reach it.
"Scoundrels!" Both the Seventh and Eighth Heavenly Sovereigns' expressions shifted drastically, their faces contorting with rage. A vast and terrifying aura erupted from them as their eyes scanned for the culprits.
Until now, Lu Bu and his companions' lack of action had led the two Soul Palace experts to believe these people didn't dare interfere. After all, in the Dou Qi Continent, there were few who would dare meddle in Soul Palace affairs. Even the Nine Serene Underworld Pythons were no exception.
The Nine Serene Underworld Pythons were merely fortunate to inherit a trace of the Ancient Heavenly Snake's bloodline. While their reputation was grand, their strength was pitiful. Not even the Soul Clan itself just the Soul Palace could easily annihilate them if they wished.
With this understanding, the Seventh and Eighth Heavenly Sovereigns had boldly ignored Lu Bu and his companions, focusing entirely on their pursuit of the Spirit Race man.
But they never anticipated the Nine Serene Underworld Pythons would interfere at the last moment and even use their Soul Palace's own soul chains to do so!
"Who are you?" The Seventh and Eighth Heavenly Sovereigns' eyes narrowed, their voices cold and sharp.
It was clear the true culprit wasn't the Nine Serene Underworld Pythons. Most likely, those pythons were subordinate to that young man at the center of the group!
Their thoughts raced as their killing intent locked onto Lu Bu. This young man had stolen the Spirit Race soul. If word of this leaked out… things could get very troublesome.
"Tianhuo Zun zhe, take them both down!" Lu Bu casually sealed the Spirit Race soul and spoke with calm authority.
"Hahaha… a mere trifle!" Tianhuo Zun zhe laughed heartily, stepping forward as a terrifying aura surged skyward.
Boom!
The heavens dimmed, and the earth darkened. Fiery yellow light filled the sky as scorching heat and violent energy roared forth.
"A peak Dou Zun?!"
"How is this possible?!"
Both the Seventh and Eighth Heavenly Sovereigns' faces paled as they shouted in shock.
A peak Dou Zun referred to those who had entered the "turning realm." While they couldn't determine Tianhuo Zun zhe's exact level within this realm, they knew he wasn't someone they could contend with.
"Retreat!" The Seventh Heavenly Sovereign reacted swiftly, roaring as he unleashed his movement Dou Technique to flee at full speed.
The Eighth Heavenly Sovereign, a step slower, shrieked as he hurried to catch up with his elder brother.
"Hmph… if I let the two of you escape, I'd have no face to live anymore!" Tianhuo Zun zhe sneered coldly. His figure blurred, leaving only an afterimage as he silently disappeared.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu grabbed the Spirit Race soul and asked coldly, "Why is the Soul Palace chasing you?"
"...I don't know!" The Spirit Race soul burned with fury, his tone filled with resentment for Lu Bu's earlier inaction. If this man had saved him earlier, he wouldn't have been reduced to this miserable state of being.
"Heh..." Lu Bu chuckled coldly, flicking his fingers. A wisp of invisible flame coiled around his fingertips, its scorching heat piercing the Spirit Race man's very soul.
"I really don't know!" The Spirit Race man's expression drastically changed as he shouted, "Those bastards suddenly attacked my family, captured my father, mother, and sister! They used everything they had to send me out so I could go seek help from the Spirit Race!"
"Heh… You don't even have a clan pattern, yet you dare call yourself a Spirit Race member?" Lu Bu's eyes gleamed as he sneered coldly.
"I… My father is of the Spirit Race, a Grade Six bloodline, and so is my sister. Why shouldn't I go to the Spirit Race for help?" The man, infuriated, roared back, but noticeably avoided mentioning his own clan pattern clearly, he didn't have one.
Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. The Spirit Race, descendants of the Dou Di lineage, were different from other Dou Di clans. They relied on Spirit Slaves to enhance their strength, which required them to venture out onto the Dou Qi Continent. Thus, out of necessity, they occasionally formed unions with non Dou Di lineages.
Judging from this, the man before him was likely a child born from the union of a Spirit Race member and a non Dou Di bloodline woman.
But… why was the Soul Palace hunting him?
A foreboding feeling crept into Lu Bu's heart, his expression turning somber. Could it be… the Soul Clan's plans were already underway?
"Yao Zi, how much do you know about the Spirit Race?" Lu Bu turned his gaze to the elder twin sister of the Nine Serene Underworld Python duo.
"I know a little… But I do know of one or two powers or families established by strong members of the Spirit Race," Yao Zi answered hastily upon noticing Lu Bu's serious demeanor, abandoning her usual playful antics.
"Gather information on those Spirit Race individuals immediately," Lu Bu ordered.
"Understood!" Yao Zi clasped her hands and respectfully replied before flashing away to carry out his orders.
"Lu Bu, what's happening?" Xiao Yi Xian gripped Lu Bu's hand gently and asked in a soft voice.
"Perhaps… I think I know where all the Soul Palace experts have disappeared to," Lu Bu took a deep breath and said slowly.
If his guess was correct, the disappearance of so many Soul Palace experts was likely because they were sent to hunt down scattered members of the Spirit Race across the Dou Qi Continent, collecting their bloodlines.
If this was the case… then the death knell of the Spirit Race had already begun to toll. The prelude to their destruction was underway!
The Soul Clan's millennium long plan was already in motion. The opening of Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Mansion was likely just a matter of time.
But… Lu Bu had no intention of stopping it. What Hun Tiandi was doing was exactly what he needed to happen.
And what benefit would there be in stopping it? Helping the Gu Clan maintain their reign so they could bask in thousands of years of peace?
Ridiculous. Lu Bu wasn't Gu Yuan's son in law why would he care about the Gu Clan's future?
Chaos was the ladder. If the Ancient Eight Clans now Seven continued to thrive as they were, when would Lu Bu have the opportunity to ascend to Dou Di?
His thoughts raced as Lu Bu smirked coldly. Flames of spiritual fire surged in his palm, instantly incinerating the Spirit Race man's soul before he could even cry out, leaving nothing but ashes.
Yao Rong, witnessing this, was startled. Her mind was filled with confusion. What did this mean? Going against the Soul Palace was one thing, but why even eliminate a member of the Ancient Dou Emperor Spirit Race?
Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian were also taken aback by Lu Bu's actions. Though they were puzzled, they didn't voice their questions.
Lu Bu was decisive and always had his reasons. They could help him strategize and fight, but they wouldn't interfere with his decisions.
Besides… there would be plenty of time to ask him later. If not now, they could wait until they had him pinned under them to demand answers.
With this thought, Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian glanced at each other before awkwardly looking away, a trace of flustered panic flashing across their faces. Though the two shared a good relationship, the idea of sharing a bed had never crossed their minds.
"What's wrong?" Lu Bu noticed their strange behavior and asked curiously.
"Nothing, nothing!"
"Nothing, nothing!"
The two women spoke in unison, their synchronized response as perfect as that of a Pacific Rim Jaeger team. Lu Bu, however, was left baffled.
They were so in sync… Could it be that…
A sly grin spread across Lu Bu's face as an idea brought him immense joy.
"Hahaha… This is truly satisfying!" At that moment, a boisterous laugh echoed. Tianhuo Zun zhe, holding two corpses, flashed over. They were none other than the infamous Seventh and Eighth Heavenly Sovereigns of the Soul Palace.
Their bodies bore massive, charred holes in their chests, their faces twisted in disbelief, even in death.
Having spent so much time by Lu Bu's side, Tianhuo Zun zhe was well aware of how troublesome the Soul Palace could be. Not only had he killed the two Sovereigns, but he had also annihilated their souls. His clean, efficient execution left no loose ends.
"Let's go. Back to the Pill Tower!" Lu Bu called out, patting the younger twin, Yao Rong. With a soft sigh, she transformed into her hundred meter long beast form, carrying Lu Bu and the others as she soared toward the Central Plains Pill Region.
Tianhuo Zun zhe flickered into the void, avoiding any disturbance to Lu Bu, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian. Watching the trio's affectionate interactions, he felt like an unwelcome third wheel. Even he was embarrassed by his own presence.
A day later, Yao Zi returned, her expression grim. She reported that the two Spirit Race individuals had already vanished. Both had been Nine Star Dou Zuns powerful figures in their own right, with Spirit Slaves protecting them. However, their families had been erased as though wiped clean from existence.
The family residences remained intact, every item in place, and no signs of battle were present. It was as if they had simply gone on a trip. Calm, quiet but disturbingly strange.
"Just as I expected…" Lu Bu's expression shifted subtly upon hearing this, his gaze growing enigmatic and profound.
His suspicions were confirmed. The massive machinery of the Soul Clan had begun to move, which meant Lu Bu could now act with less restraint. As long as he avoided causing trouble during the period when the Soul Clan collected Spirit Race bloodlines, neither the Soul Palace nor the Soul Clan could do much to him.
For now, his priority was clear: to strengthen himself. As a Five Star Dou Zun, his current power was insufficient. Lu Bu needed to cultivate and grow stronger.
A few days later, in the Holy Pill City, within the Holy Pill Mountain Range, Lu Bu returned to his estate alongside Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and the twin Nine Serene Underworld Pythons.
In the training field, Yun Yun, having exited seclusion, was sparring with Qing Lin to pass the time.
As soon as Lu Bu and his group approached the sky above the estate, Yun Yun's face lit up with joy. Her connection to the Fallen Heart Flame and Green Lotus Core Flame allowed her to sense Lu Bu's arrival instantly.
However, when she saw Lu Bu descend with his group of five, Yun Yun's face darkened. Who were those two enchanting women?
Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa exchanged sly grins but didn't bother to explain. "Lu Bu, you deal with this yourself!"
"Greetings, Lady of the House!" Yao Zi quickly bowed respectfully and explained, "We offended the master previously and deserve death. We have since submitted to him as servants…"
Always perceptive, Yao Zi immediately clarified her position, attempting to alleviate Lu Bu's burden.
Yet Yun Yun's face only grew darker. Servants? That phrase sounded familiar. Someone had said the same thing back in the Yun Lan Sect.
And that person was now snuggled in someone else's arms, planning for future children!
Recalling this, Yun Yun's gaze grew even sharper as she glared at Lu Bu, calling him a shameless womanizer.
She also shot a glare at Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa. "You two fools! Can't you keep him in check?"
(Chapter End)
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