Chapter 342: Yao Zi: "This servant has wandered half her life, only regretting never meeting a worthy master."
Tianxing Mountain Range, Falling Star Pavilion!
Within the stone tower at the rear mountain, a vast soul power swirled around Yao Chen, distorting the surrounding space. Such a formidable soul force even caused Xiao Yan, who had stepped into the Spirit Realm, to feel a trace of awe.
"Teacher, has your source soul energy been replenished?" Xiao Yan asked excitedly. With the Hall of Souls watching them like a hawk, and the Falling Star Pavilion having only him and Feng Zun zhe as Dou Zun experts, if Yao Lao didn't return to his peak strength soon, it would be difficult for them to hold their ground.
"Of course!" Yao Chen nodded with a smile. "That Soul Infant Fruit is an excellent golden grade Soul Infant Fruit. Not only has it completely replenished my lost soul energy, but it has also brought significant benefits!"
"Hahaha… Looks like Lu Bu didn't con me this time!" Xiao Yan laughed heartily, unable to suppress the joy on his face.
"Lu Bu…" Yao Chen's smile didn't falter, but his eyes flickered faintly. Over the years, that brat had taken advantage of his soul state to gain quite a few benefits…
"Then, can we start forging your body?" Xiao Yan asked eagerly.
"Of course, but the materials for the forging…" Yao Lao smiled knowingly.
"Hehe… I've prepared them long ago!" Xiao Yan grinned proudly. With a wave of his arm, two jade bottles and a corpse appeared in the stone tower.
"Essence blood from an eighth tier Sky Demon Phoenix, and a Four Colored Dan Lightning eight grade Bone Forging Blood Melding Pill!" Xiao Yan held up the two jade bottles, his tone full of pride.
However, his smile carried a hint of frustration. Lu Bu had already created a six colored Dan Lightning pill, but even after exhausting himself and using the Spirit Elevation Technique, Xiao Yan had only managed to produce a four colored Dan Lightning pill. This left him feeling somewhat defeated.
"Hehe… Not bad. To achieve such alchemy skill upon entering the Spirit Realm, your progress has exceeded my expectations!" Yao Chen praised him warmly, as if he hadn't noticed Xiao Yan's disappointment.
Xiao Yan scratched his head, understanding that his teacher was trying to console him. His heart surged with gratitude, leaving him momentarily speechless.
"Hehe…" Yao Chen chuckled softly. This time, he was certain Xiao Yan was indeed the disciple he was willing to support for a lifetime!
"Teacher, let's begin!" Xiao Yan steadied his emotions, speaking solemnly. With a wave of his sleeve, the stone coffin holding the corpse shattered, revealing a gray white skeleton.
The corpse had been delivered by Feng Zun zhe. In life, its strength was at the Four Star Dou Zun level. Compared to Yao Lao's current state, the body seemed underwhelming at best, it was only suitable for a Seven or Eight Star Dou Zong.
Yao Chen nodded, but before they could begin, a gust of wind howled outside. Feng Zun zhe's figure flickered and appeared in the stone tower within moments.
"Elder Feng, what brings you here?" Xiao Yan asked curiously. Feng Zun zhe shouldn't have come at this time. Forging a body was a delicate process, where any disturbance could lead to failure.
"Is something wrong?" Yao Chen's expression turned serious. Could it be the Hall of Souls attacking?
"Uh, not exactly…" Feng Zun zhe scratched his head, his expression somewhat awkward.
With a wave of his sleeve, a corpse appeared on the floor with a thud.
"This… Is this Ren Xiezi?!" Yao Chen's previously calm face revealed a trace of astonishment. "How did he die? And in such a miserable state?"
He stared at the corpse, whose eye sockets had burst, and whose arm was severed at the shoulder, his gaze sharpening. Ren Xiezi had been a Four Star Dou Zun when they'd last encountered him. After so many years, his strength should have reached at least Five or Six Star Dou Zun.
In Zhongzhou, that level of strength made him a top tier expert. Who could possibly have killed him?
Moreover, the three Scorpion Brothers were always inseparable. If Ren Xiezi was dead, then perhaps…
A mixture of excitement and regret stirred in Yao Chen's heart. Excitement at the thought of revenge, but regret that he hadn't been the one to exact it personally.
"Huh?" Xiao Yan crouched down, narrowing his eyes as he inspected Ren Xiezi's face. "This poison… Why does it look so much like the Woeful Poison Body's toxin?"
The corner of his mouth twitched. Could it have been Lu Bu and his group? But if that scoundrel sent such a corpse here, what did he mean by it?
"Lu Bu?" Yao Chen's expression shifted as he noticed the Woeful Poison Qi seeping from the corpse.
"That brat is trying to warn me!" Yao Chen's brow twitched, and his lips curled into a bitter smile. He understood what Lu Bu intended.
First, the Ancient Void Dragon's Half Saint had acted as a witness. Now, he'd sent the corpse of Ren Xiezi as a message. It was clear that the brat suspected Yao Chen might target him after regaining his body and was preemptively sending a warning.
"That little brat!" Yao Chen clenched his teeth. Was he, the revered Yao Chen, such a petty man? …Though he had considered it, he hadn't actually made a move yet!
Outrageous! Simply outrageous!
"Ugh…" Yao Chen sighed. At his peak, he had been a Nine Star Dou Zun. Though strong, taking on Lu Bu's group capable of killing Ren Xiezi would likely come at a hefty price.
Not to mention, the Ancient Void Dragon clan was backing Lu Bu. This time, they had only sent a Half Saint. Next time, a Dou Saint might appear… who could say?
Yao Chen's previously jubilant mood vanished entirely, leaving him feeling stifled and aggrieved.
"Let's start forging the body…" Yao Chen waved his hand listlessly, unsure if this process would allow him to break through to the Half Saint realm. If it did, at least he'd feel a little better.
High above the sky, a massive hundred foot long python slithered through the air like a black streak of lightning, its speed shocking to behold.
Xiao Yi Xian sat behind Lu Bu, her hands clasped in seals as gray purple mist swirled around her, gently coiling in the air.
Previously, she had unleashed the full power of her Woeful Poison Body, condensing an enormous amount of toxic energy into a thumb sized snake. Though she had gravely wounded a Six Star Dou Zun, the effort had drained her significantly. She now needed time to recover.
At the python's head, Lu Bu sat, stroking his chin as he replayed the battle against Ren Xiezi in his mind.
The fight had been a decisive victory for him. The Devouring Seal formed by his Devouring Power had directly shattered Ren Xiezi's arm. Considering that Lu Bu himself was only a Five Star Dou Zun, it was a triumph of the weak against the strong or was it?
In truth, Lu Bu's mid Spirit Realm soul power alone could rival Ren Xiezi. Add the Devouring Ancient Symbol to the equation, and his victory was inevitable.
If not for Zhu Li's presence, along with Yao Zi, Yao Rong, and Tianhuo Zun zhe, Lu Bu would have fully unleashed the power of the Ancient Symbol. Against that, even a Seven or Eight Star Dou Zun would have fallen.
Ren Xiezi's overconfidence had been his undoing. Facing Lu Bu, he hadn't even used a Dou Technique, relying instead on a single punch. How could he not lose?
Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully. He needed to grow stronger. Once he reached the Dou Saint realm, he would be able to use the Devouring Ancient Symbol freely no need to hold back or be secretive.
Resolving himself, Lu Bu closed his eyes and began cultivating.
Yet before long, a faint, seductive fragrance wafted over.
"Master…"
"Yao Zi? What's the matter?" Lu Bu opened his eyes, only to feel a soft, warm body press up against him.
"Uh, this..." Lu Bu scratched his head. Xiao Yi Xian, Her Majesty the Queen, did you see that? She made the first move!
This snake demoness is a Five Star Dou Zun, with immense strength and a beast's body. I... I can't break free!
"No..." Yao Zi gently shook her head, her alluring eyes glimmering faintly, carrying both a hint of weakness and innocence. She softly said, "My sister and I offended Master first. Now, willingly serving as your slaves is something we wholeheartedly accept..."
Yao Zi gently stroked the massive serpent beneath them, which was, in fact, her sister Yao Rong. Currently, Lu Bu and his group were seated on her back.
"However, this servant's heart trembles with fear, not knowing what Master intends or what lies ahead. I feel truly uneasy and uncertain."
"Uh... well, you'll find out in the future," Lu Bu coughed lightly, clenching his fist to feign calm. He kept these twin sisters around partly because of Qing Lin and partly because of the intelligence gathering capabilities of the Nine Serene Underworld Python clan.
Though this clan wasn't exceptionally powerful internally divided, with even their clan leader struggling to gain respect they were numerous and capable of commanding countless snakes to gather information. For Lu Bu, who sought to plunder the Hall of Souls for their soul sources, this was an invaluable asset.
Restricted by his current strength, Lu Bu couldn't yet delve deep into the Underworld Python's domain or rescue Yao Ming from the Nine Underworld Yellow Springs. Even if he could, without sufficient power, the former clan leader of the Nine Serene Underworld Pythons might not submit to him. Instead, he could end up backfired upon.
So for now... he decided to use these two sisters to undermine the Nine Serene Underworld Pythons from within!
"Hmm… very well," Yao Zi lowered her head slightly, her expression a bit disappointed. She forced a faint smile, appearing pitiful yet understanding as she said, "Since Master does not wish to explain, this servant won't pry further..."
"Master, do you know what is most important to a girl?" Yao Zi suddenly shifted the topic, asking softly.
"Huh? A girl?" Lu Bu was surprised. "Magical beasts grow slowly, and their strength advances just as slowly. You're a Five Star Dou Zun; it must have taken you over a hundred years, maybe even more, to reach this level. Does that still qualify you as a 'girl'?"
Yao Zi: "..."
What a strange focus. How am I supposed to continue this conversation?
Rustle rustle.
From Lu Bu's chest, a tiny snake head emerged from his robe. Resting her little tail beneath her chin, she gazed at Lu Bu and Yao Zi with a calm, detached expression, not saying a word.
She was curious to see what the two of them could possibly discuss!
"Ahem… it's a sense of security, Master. It's a sense of security!" Yao Zi ignored Lu Bu's remark and continued, "On this Dou Qi Continent, which devours people alive, everywhere is filled with danger and crisis. For a girl… the most important thing is having a sense of security!"
As she spoke, Yao Zi curled up her legs, wrapping her delicate arms around them. Her voice carried a poignant, sorrowful tone as she said:
"When my sister and I were born, our father had already died in battle, leaving only our mother to raise us through hardship. Orphans and widows everyone had their eyes on us, wanting to devour the three of us whole."
"If it weren't for my sister and me having decent talents, painstakingly training to grow stronger, we'd have long since been swallowed alive..."
A bitter expression surfaced on Yao Zi's delicate face. Lowering her head, she rested it on her knees. Her flowing hair draped down, half covering her face like a veiled lute, evoking a sense of pitiable beauty.
"Oh..." Lu Bu scratched his head. This story… sounded oddly familiar.
Wasn't this the classic sob story of "father's gambling, mother's illness, younger brother's schooling all on my shoulders, forcing me to..." Ahem. Lu Bu had only heard of these routines and had never encountered them in person. So this was his first time experiencing it… truly the first time!
Oh? That's all you have to say?
Yao Zi's face, buried between her knees, froze. Shouldn't he have taken her into his arms by now, comforting her with kind words, until their emotions heated up, their hearts racing in confusion?
What did "oh" mean? Was this man truly so dense?
Yao Zi's mouth twitched. How had this clueless man managed to win over the Woeful Poison Body wielder?
No, she couldn't just sit back and do nothing!
Yao Zi's eyes darted quickly as mist welled up again in her eyes. Extending her hands, she clung to Lu Bu's arm, her "heavenly assets" pressing forward as she tearfully said, "Master, this servant has wandered half her life, only regretting never meeting a worthy master..."
Boom!
A terrifying pressure suddenly exploded outward. Yao Zi's face turned pale, her chest tightening as her breath caught, leaving her face flushed crimson.
But at that moment, she couldn't afford to think about herself. Trembling with shock, she looked toward Lu Bu. That pressure made her blood and soul shiver uncontrollably. Even the Taixu Ancient Dragon hadn't brought such terrifying suppression.
"W What… What's happening?" Yao Rong cried out in fear, frozen stiff, unable to move.
Whoosh!
A rainbow colored serpent tail, as thick as an arm, extended from Lu Bu's chest and lashed out, striking Yao Zi.
Smack!
The crisp sound echoed as a red mark appeared on Yao Zi's arm. The sheer force sent her sliding back until she landed on her sister's head.
"Hmph… And you think you're worthy of laying hands on Lu Bu?" A soft yet cold voice rang out as a rainbow glow radiated, revealing Medusa, her beauty coldly regal, her presence commanding.
"You… the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python?" Yao Zi exclaimed in terror, staring at the radiant, dignified woman before her.
Impossible. The Nine Colored Heaven Swallowing Python lineage had long gone extinct. How could its direct descendant, the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, still exist?
"Heh… Your knowledge isn't bad," Medusa replied indifferently, her figure flashing as she nestled beside Lu Bu, paying no further attention to Yao Zi.
Yao Zi's face twisted. Looking at Medusa, she felt utterly inferior. Compared to the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, her bloodline, inherited over countless generations, seemed as lowly as mud beneath the clouds.
"Your Majesty, why have you come out?" Lu Bu chuckled lightly, his arm naturally slipping around her slender waist. The smooth, supple sensation sent a ripple of heat through him.
"Hmph… If I didn't come out, who knows what trouble you'd get yourself into!" Medusa huffed, knocking her knuckles lightly against his forehead.
Lu Bu's mouth twitched. "I'm not! I didn't! You're making things up!"
"Let's go, back to the Pill Tower!" Medusa snapped.
"Hm?" Suddenly, Lu Bu's gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. There, black mist swirled as ghostly wails echoed a terrifying, ominous sight.
Whoosh!
A figure appeared as Tianhuo Zun zhe emerged from the void. "Lu Bu, there's something unusual… It looks like the Hall of Souls is pursuing someone."
Before his words had fully landed, two figures appeared, one chasing the other at breakneck speed.
"Friends ahead, please save me! I am of the Spirit Race and will reward you generously in the future!"
"Hehehe… Trying to escape? It won't be that easy!"
(Chapter End)
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