Chapter 196: Xiao Xun'er's Message
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sky roared with thunder as silver lightning serpents rampaged through the heavens. Deep, booming thunderclaps synchronized with the metallic clangs of impact. Each time the radiant silver figure in the sky was struck and pushed back, it would quickly rise again, enduring the relentless bombardment of lightning.
Inside the sealed space, Queen Medusa gently pressed her red lips together. Her delicate face, framed by her veil, still carried traces of shock as she watched the scene beyond the spatial barrier.
Lu Bu had once told her that his puppet could evolve. At the time, she didn't believe him. Puppets, by their very nature, were limited by the materials and techniques used to create them. Normally, they were fixed and unchangeable.
However, the spectacle before her proved him right.
"This little man's secrets just keep piling up…" Medusa thought as her stunning eyes sparkled with interest. The corners of her luscious lips curved into a bewitching smile as she gazed at Lu Bu.
By the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, Lu Bu sat with his eyes tightly shut, his body bathed in a glowing blue aura. Streams of spiritual energy swirled and flowed into him from the heavens and earth. He had clearly entered a breakthrough state.
Medusa's expression grew serious. She knew that Lu Bu wouldn't need too much time to complete this breakthrough. After all, thanks to their numerous dual cultivation sessions, his energy had long since accumulated enough to push him forward.
Outside, the two elder protectors of the academy, Elder Qian and Elder Bai, wore solemn expressions as they watched the two snow white pills suspended in midair. They waited patiently, for the moment the lightning tribulation concluded, it would be time to collect the pills.
Su Qian had already explained the entire situation to the two elders. The Hall of Souls… this formidable enemy wasn't something they could handle, not even with the academy headmaster on their side.
During their years of traveling, Qian and Bai had clashed with the Hall of Souls due to their association with Mang Tianchi. They were all too familiar with the terrifying scope of its power.
Thankfully, this was the Black Corner Region in the impoverished northwest of the continent. They wouldn't have to face an army of Soul Hall experts; they only needed to worry about the terrifying strength of Dou Zun level individuals and higher.
If the Heavenly Fortune Pill could help produce two Dou Zun experts, this crisis would be significantly easier to resolve.
While the two elders maintained their vigilance, Su Qian and the Fire Elder seemed more relaxed. Initially, they had assumed they would need to intervene against the lightning tribulation, but now they realized there was little for them to do. If they wanted, they could probably sit down and brew some tea.
Boom!
A brilliant flash of lightning lit up the sky, and a silver bolt resembling a dragon crashed into the Earth Demon Puppet.
Clang!
With a loud metallic crash, the puppet was sent hurtling into the forest below, disappearing into the trees. At the same time, the dark thunderclouds that had been blanketing the sky began to dissipate. Sunlight pierced through the clearing clouds, and the azure sky with its white clouds reappeared over the Inner Academy.
"Now!" Elder Qian barked. He and Elder Bai simultaneously waved their sleeves, solidifying the surrounding space. Elder Bai reached out, and the Heavenly Fortune Pill above the Ten Thousand Beast Cauldron, which had been trying to escape, was firmly caught in his hand.
Meanwhile, the pill above the Black Demon Cauldron had already been claimed by Elder Qian.
"There's no time to waste. Send our thanks to Lu Bu and Yao Zun for their efforts. We're heading straight to secluded cultivation!" Elder Bai said resolutely. His figure vanished in a flash.
Elder Qian nodded in agreement. "I'm of the same mind," he said before disappearing in another direction.
The breakthrough to Dou Zun required an enormous amount of spiritual energy from the heavens and earth. With Lu Bu currently undergoing a breakthrough in the area, if they stayed, the spiritual energy might not be enough for all of them.
If their breakthrough failed, it would not only waste a valuable opportunity but also severely damage Jia Nan Academy's ability to resist the Hall of Souls. Most importantly, if their presence caused Lu Bu's breakthrough to fail, the guilt and regret would be unbearable.
Watching the two elders vanish, Su Qian and the Fire Elder exchanged glances before deciding to leave as well.
Yao Lao was recuperating, and Lu Bu was undergoing a breakthrough. With the academy now lacking the alchemists needed to continue their planned refinement of pills, their efforts came to an abrupt halt. Before departing, Su Qian personally created a massive spatial barrier to seal off the mountain behind the academy.
This precaution was necessary because Lu Bu's puppet had risen once again, exuding an aura even stronger than Su Qian's. If any clueless student wandered too close… a single punch would turn them into paste, leaving Su Qian and the others with nothing but a pile of meat to present to their grieving parents.
Yuan Yi Empire, Foggy Bramble Swamp.
With the deaths of two Hall of Souls protectors and the reappearance of Yao Lao's trail, the atmosphere in this branch hall was tense. Even the Elder in charge of the branch had abandoned his cultivation to personally oversee operations.
Swish!
A flash of black mist heralded the arrival of a middle aged protector.
"Protector Gongyang, what is it?" the branch Elder asked calmly, opening his eyes.
"Reporting to the Elder, we've received a message from Central Plains." Gongyang replied respectfully. "The message states that Elder Qin will be leading the reinforcements."
"Qin Elder… Qin Tian?" The Elder's mind conjured the image of a purple robed figure. His brow furrowed. "Just one Dou Zun? Why not send a Heavenly Elder? Did they not report the presence of the Black Corner Army?"
The atmosphere in the grand hall grew heavy. The space around them began to distort under the Elder's oppressive aura, causing Protector Gongyang to tremble in fear.
"Elder, they did report it, but Central Plains deemed sending a Heavenly Elder level expert to the northwest too conspicuous. They only approved Elder Qin's deployment." Gongyang explained hurriedly.
"Fools!" The branch Elder snorted coldly. "The Black Corner Army has already shown itself what's the point of worrying about drawing attention? Do they think sending fewer reinforcements won't raise suspicions?"
"Elder, Central Plains is more concerned about the local powers in the northwest. Many of them are quite formidable, and there's also the Pill Tower, which has been keeping a close watch on the movements of the Hall's major halls in Central Plains."
"…"
The Elder was silent for a moment. It seemed that Central Plains was expecting him to step in personally this time.
"What news from the Black Corner Region?" the Elder asked. Though he wasn't eager to confront the Black Corner Army, he still needed to keep tabs on their movements.
"When our spies investigated the area, they found no trace of Yao Lao. However, we did confirm that Han Feng is dead most likely killed by Yao Lao himself," Gongyang reported.
The Elder nodded. This outcome had been within his expectations.
"However… there was a strange phenomenon near Jia Nan Academy a few days ago. Lightning flashed, and dark clouds gathered, resembling a lightning tribulation. By the time our people arrived, it was over, but the residual power of the event wiped out several of our spies."
"Impossible!" The Elder's expression darkened. His voice was grave. "Yao Lao is just a spirit now there's no way he could refine a seventh tier pill!"
As someone well versed in the intricacies of the soul, the Elder knew the limitations Yao Lao faced. Injured and reduced to a soul state, Yao Lao couldn't possibly refine a seventh tier pill. Even a peak eighth tier alchemist in spirit form would struggle to achieve such a feat without risking complete soul dissolution.
"Any additional details?" the Elder pressed.
"None," Gongyang replied. "However, two powerful auras have appeared in Jia Nan Academy, likely from those two retired Dou Zong protectors. We dare not act recklessly."
"I understand…" The Elder's eyes flickered with thought. If they couldn't locate Yao Lao, perhaps it was time to visit Jia Nan Academy personally.
"Respected Elder, there's one more thing…" Protector Gongyang hesitated before speaking. "A strong Black Corner Army presence… has arrived in the Black Corner Region!"
"What's their strength?" The Branch Elder narrowed his eyes slightly. As expected, it was a good thing he hadn't acted rashly earlier so the Black Corner Army really had their sights set on this area!
"A Dou Zun, and a very powerful one. As for specifics… please forgive this subordinate's incompetence," Protector Gongyang said, bowing his head.
"Leave." The Branch Elder waved his hand dismissively, his tone indifferent.
"Yes, sir!"
A few days later, high above the Black Corner Region, three figures sat atop a Four Winged Unicorn Beast, flying like streaks of light toward Jia Nan Academy's Inner Academy.
Leading the group was an elder with white hair and a white beard, draped in a black robe. His presence exuded no discernible energy, his eyes were clouded, and his demeanor radiated kindness. He appeared to be an ordinary old man, like the unassuming neighbor next door.
But it was precisely this ordinariness that made him terrifying.
"Senior Lin, that over there is Jia Nan Academy," said one of the Black Corner Army soldiers, pointing toward a faintly distorted area in the distance.
He had been here before with the Second and Fourth Commanders, where he had met the Eighth Commander whose strength rivaled that of the Second Commander and surpassed that of the Fifth Commander. His impression of Jia Nan Academy was particularly vivid.
"Haha, that sly old Mang Tianchi really is something. He built such a large academy and then abandoned it!" The elder, referred to as Senior Lin, laughed heartily.
The two soldiers chuckled along, but they didn't dare say much. Mang Tianchi was a respected senior of the Thunder Clan. Senior Lin could make jokes about him, but they certainly didn't have that privilege.
"Come on, let's see that Eighth Commander of ours and the Xiao Clan descendant our young lady keeps talking about… Hmm?" Senior Lin's laugh was interrupted as his expression suddenly changed. He raised his hand, and the space before him rippled faintly. Tiny arcs of lightning flickered within the distortion.
"Ah, we're too late! We missed it!" Senior Lin smacked his lips in regret. "A few days ago, someone at Jia Nan Academy was refining pills seven tier pills that triggered a lightning tribulation. We came too late to catch the fun!"
The two Black Corner Army soldiers remained silent. Senior Lin's carefree personality bordered on being too easygoing.
"Haha, well then, let's head down and take a look," Senior Lin said with a smile. He patted the Four Winged Unicorn Beast beneath him, and with a sharp cry, the beast descended rapidly toward Jia Nan Academy.
Jia Nan Academy, Back Mountain
Xiao Yan and the Fire Elder, both disheveled and covered in grime, squatted next to a cauldron, engaged in an intense discussion.
The experience of watching Lu Bu and Yao Lao refine high grade seven tier pills just days ago had been incredibly enlightening. Now, the two were experimenting and discussing as they worked, eager to absorb and process everything they had learned.
The path of cultivation involved wealth, companions, technique, and environment. Here, the term "companions" didn't just refer to romantic partners it also meant companions in learning, individuals who could grow and improve together.
For Xiao Yan, the Fire Elder, a peak five tier alchemist, offered invaluable experience. Similarly, Xiao Yan's creative insights, along with Yao Lao's teachings, provided the Fire Elder with rare and precious knowledge.
Su Qian watched the duo's enthusiastic exchange and nodded in satisfaction. This event would undoubtedly elevate the Fire Elder's alchemy to the sixth tier, a development that would be immensely beneficial to Jia Nan Academy.
Having a sixth tier alchemist meant the academy could one day have a second, then a third. Coupled with the addition of two new Dou Zun experts in Elder Qian and Elder Bai, the academy's strength was poised to surge.
In fact, Su Qian mused, the academy headmaster's absence no longer seemed to matter. With himself as the Grand Elder and the two Dou Zun elders, they could shut the headmaster out entirely if he ever returned.
"The academy has me, the Grand Elder, and two Dou Zun experts," Su Qian thought to himself with a sly grin. "What do we need a useless headmaster for?"
Turning his gaze toward the distorted space in the distance, Su Qian's expression grew serious. Though separated by the spatial barrier erected by the eight star Dou Zong, he could still sense the energy within violent and intense, like a rolling volcano on the verge of eruption.
"This boy… truly the most remarkable student Jia Nan Academy has ever seen," Su Qian murmured. He himself had once risen to prominence as a student of the Inner Academy, but even at his peak, he had never achieved anything close to what Lu Bu had.
"Perhaps… I should let Zi Yan go on a journey with him," Su Qian muttered, rubbing his chin.
Lu Bu was not only powerful but also well protected, with both the mysterious woman and his puppet serving as formidable guardians. Zi Yan's safety wouldn't be a concern if she accompanied him.
Moreover, Zi Yan had been in the Inner Academy for far too long, and she hadn't been particularly happy until Lu Bu's arrival. Since then, Su Qian had finally seen a rare smile on her face.
Suddenly, the spatial barrier trembled violently. Su Qian's expression darkened, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he barked sharply: "Who's there?!"
Whoever it was had broken through the spatial barrier with ease and without brute force.
"Haha, Grand Elder Su Qian, no need to be alarmed. It's just this old man, a Vice Commander of the Black Corner Army!" a hearty laugh echoed from the sky as three Four Winged Unicorn Beasts descended.
Xiao Yan and the Fire Elder stopped their discussion and looked up at the approaching trio, their expressions darkening. The last time they had encountered the so called Black Corner Army, Ling Quan and Yang Hao had claimed to be Vice Commanders.
And now… the title of Vice Commander belonged to an elderly man?
Su Qian scrutinized the old man, his expression uncertain. He could sense no trace of cultivation energy from him a phenomenon he had only ever observed in the headmaster.
This meant the man before him was a Dou Zun!
"Su Qian greets the senior!" Su Qian didn't dare show any disrespect and immediately cupped his fists in a formal salute.
"Haha, no need for such formalities! I have a decent relationship with your headmaster, Mang Tianchi. Just call me Elder Lin," the black robed elder said with a hearty laugh.
"Su Qian greets Elder Lin!"
"Haha! Mang Tianchi mentioned you before he said he personally trained you. Impressive, very impressive!" Elder Lin praised with laughter.
Su Qian's lips twitched. That old headmaster of theirs really knew how to talk big. He'd never helped Su Qian with anything and had left the academy entirely to his own devices. If you asked any Inner Academy student about the headmaster, most wouldn't even know who he was.
But Su Qian chose not to expose the headmaster's lies in front of an outsider.
"Is Xiao Yan here? My young lady has been thinking about him non stop," Elder Lin continued, his tone suddenly turning serious. He had come with a mission to fulfill.
"That would be him," Su Qian said, pointing toward Xiao Yan, who was crouched by the cauldron.
"Oh?" Elder Lin raised his snow white eyebrows. "A Dou Wang already, and with two Heavenly Flames? Haha… not bad, not bad at all. You're far better than the brats back in my clan."
"This junior Xiao Yan greets Elder Lin!" Xiao Yan said, his tone tinged with excitement. It seemed this elder wasn't cut from the same cloth as Yang Hao and Ling Quan.
"Elder Lin, are you here on behalf of Xun'er…?" Xiao Yan asked cautiously.
"Haha, indeed. I'm here at my young lady's request!" Elder Lin replied with a laugh.
"Did Xun'er leave any messages for me?" Xiao Yan asked, his excitement evident. Xun'er had been gone for several months, and to him, it felt like years. He missed her terribly.
"Ah… no, no messages for you. But she did have me bring a message for Lu Bu, the Eighth Commander of our Black Corner Army!" Elder Lin said, suddenly looking a bit sheepish.
"Where's Lu Bu? Where is he?"
"…"
Xiao Yan's face darkened, and he felt an inexplicable weight press down on him. What was this supposed to mean?!
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