Chapter 199: Qing Lin!
Qin Tian chief elder of the Great Thousand Palace, one of the most powerful figures in the Great Thousand World, renowned as the Demon Slayer King...
That was impossible!
This Qin Tian was not that Qin Tian. If it were, Lu Bu would've knelt on the spot and hugged his thigh in worship.
Thinking back... Oh, Qin Tian! Lu Bu remembered. He was the ruler of the Tianyuan Dynasty, someone Lu Bu had crossed paths with during the Hundred Dynasties War. At the time, Qin Tian was only at the Six Yuan Nirvana stage a weakling who wasn't even worthy of being a sparring partner for Lu Bu.
It was a pity. If Lu Bu hadn't encountered those from the Xixuan Region, he would've thoroughly thrashed Qin Tian for his arrogance. But wait... this was the Dou Qi Continent, not the Great Thousand World.
Lu Bu thought for a moment and muttered to himself. This Qin Tian must be the Soul Hall elder an old man in purple robes. In the original story, when Xiao Yan broke through to the Dou Huang stage and tracked Yao Lao's soul imprint through the Bone Chilling Flame, this Qin Tian had obliterated it in an instant.
Later, when Xiao Yan reached the Dou Zong stage at the Blood Pool of Tianshan, he once again followed the soul imprint to the Soul Hall in the western region of Zhongzhou, at the Underworld City.
That time, he saw this purple robed Soul Hall elder, Qin Tian, face to face. Strictly speaking, this Qin Tian was the first Soul Hall elder to appear in the story. Though his exact strength was unknown, he later clashed briefly with Xiao Yan when Xiao Yan led a team to rescue Yao Lao after winning the Alchemy Tower Championship.
However, Qin Tian was eventually tied up by Xiao Yan's Golden Sky Demon Puppet, unable to break free. That puppet had absorbed Xiao Yan's Five Colored Pill Lightning during the Pill Gathering, Mu Gu's Four Colored Pill Lightning, Qing Hua's and Cao Ying's Three Colored Pill Lightning, as well as numerous other seven tier pill lightnings. Afterward, its strength became so overwhelming that even Mu Gu, a seasoned expert, was astonished, estimating its power to rival that of a three star Dou Zun.
By that calculation, Qin Tian's strength should have been around the three star or four star Dou Zun level. At this point in time, his power was likely lower or perhaps had only recently reached the three star Dou Zun stage.
Hearing Su Qian's suggestion, Lin Hao furrowed his brows. He had a decent relationship with Mang Tianchi and didn't want Jia Nan Academy to suffer unnecessary losses. But he also knew that such an outcome was inevitable. After pondering for a moment, he nodded slowly.
"In that case, I will join Elder Bai to hold off the Dou Zun level forces. You must deal with the incoming Protectors. They are not weak; each is at the Dou Zong level and very powerful."
"The enemy likely knows of my presence, which means they'll send more than one Dou Zun. Bai and I may not be able to end the fight quickly. The key to this battle lies in all of you."
Hearing Lin Hao's words, everyone felt a heavy weight settle on their hearts. Aside from Elder Huo, most of them had already fought Soul Hall members and understood just how formidable their Protectors were. Each one was a top tier Dou Zong combatant. Realistically, only Lu Bu and Elder Bai could confidently say they could handle one.
As for Medusa... she wasn't closely tied to Jia Nan Academy, and no one had the authority to ask her for help. Su Qian couldn't even bring himself to make the request. He already owed Lu Bu too much.
"No! You're thinking about this all wrong," Lu Bu said firmly.
Everyone froze, unsure of what he meant. Even Lin Hao and Elder Bai looked puzzled.
"We can't defeat the Soul Hall Protectors. We are not their match," Lu Bu said, his tone grave. "The Protectors of the Soul Hall are divided into three levels: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal. The Xuan Protector we encountered was an Earth level Protector, with strength roughly around the two or three star Dou Zong level."
"As for the Shentu and Wuma Protectors, they were likely Heaven level Protectors, each at the five star Dou Zong stage or higher. If the Soul Hall could field two such Protectors before, they'll likely send even more this time."
Lu Bu's words left the elders of Jia Nan Academy and Xiao Yan looking deeply troubled. Altogether, Jia Nan Academy only had three Dou Zong level fighters. With Lu Bu and Xiao Yan added... well, Xiao Yan didn't really count yet, and Yao Lao was too severely injured to handle even an Earth level Protector. Let alone Heaven level ones.
In other words, their only hope was that the Soul Hall wouldn't send too many people…
But such a hope felt utterly naive.
Elder Bai's face darkened. His recent breakthrough to Dou Zun was no longer something to celebrate. Instead, he was left with a bitter sense of helplessness.
"That's why the key to this battle lies with Lin Hao and Elder Bai," Lu Bu said decisively. "Only by overwhelming them in Dou Zun level combat power can we hope to win. Otherwise, the only outcome is death and defeat."
Su Qian pressed his lips together. He understood this as well, but knowing and achieving it were two different things.
Elder Bai's failed breakthrough meant that Jia Nan Academy was left with only him and Su Qian as its Dou Zong fighters.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath, glancing hopefully at Lu Bu. If they lost, both he and Yao Lao would be doomed. He could only pray that Lu Bu had a plan to turn the tide.
"Oh?" Lin Hao raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "What ideas do you have, Eight Commander? Just say the word, and I will do my best to assist."
Lin Hao was obligated to protect Jia Nan Academy, partly because of Mang Tianchi's influence and partly because of Xiao Yan a descendant of the Xiao Clan and Lu Bu, the Eight Commander.
If all else failed, he could even request reinforcements from his young mistress, Xiao Xun'er. Though it might not be ideal, she would certainly send help if asked.
Too bad Mang Tianchi was missing. If the old rogue were here, this crisis would have been resolved effortlessly. After all, Mang Tianchi was an eight star Dou Zun, far stronger than Lin Hao.
Lin Hao silently vowed to extract an emergency contact method from Mang Tianchi the next time they met.
"It's simple," Lu Bu said with confidence. "The Soul Hall already knows about Lin Hao's presence. That can't be hidden, nor do we need to. What they don't know is that we have gained a new Dou Zun. This is our advantage."
The others looked toward Elder Bai, their brows furrowing. The logic made sense, but… how would they execute it?
"First, we need the Soul Hall to see only what they expect to see," Lu Bu explained. "People are inclined to believe what they want to believe. We'll show them nothing out of the ordinary."
He paused, glancing meaningfully at Xiao Yan before continuing.
"Second, we need bait someone to draw out the Soul Hall's full force…"
Xiao Yan felt a chill run down his spine as an ominous feeling swept over him. Lu Bu was planning to use him again!
"Lin Hao, we'll need your help with this. Please bear with us," Lu Bu said with a polite smile.
"Haha, no problem!" Lin Hao laughed heartily. "Eight Commander, just say the word, and I'll follow your lead. If not for Mang Tianchi, I'd still help out for your sake alone."
"Thank you, Lin Hao," Lu Bu replied, though he didn't believe the old man's words entirely. Lin Hao followed Xiao Xun'er's orders, and she and Lu Bu didn't exactly get along.
...
Misty Thorn Swamp, Yuan Yi Empire
"Everything is ready, Elder!" Protector Gong Yang reported as he appeared before Xiu Tu.
"Good. While I'm away, guard the division carefully. Let nothing go wrong. Wait for my return," Xiu Tu commanded sternly.
"As you command!"
"Xiu Tu, that's enough. No one would dare provoke our Soul Hall," Qin Tian said impatiently.
"Idiot…" Xiu Tu sneered openly, his disdain undisguised. He knew Qin Tian's personality too well arrogant and brash. This battle would undoubtedly be fought openly for all to see.
In that case, his presence would be exposed to every force in the Northwest Continent, and his sub hall would surely become the target of other major powers in the region.
"Hmph… let's move out!" Qin Tian's eyes flashed with a cold glint. With a snort, he waved his hand and led the way, with the four peak Dou Zong Protectors trailing behind him.
Xiu Tu's eyes flickered as he followed. Behind him, the mist shrouded hall slowly closed its massive black doors with a heavy thud. The seams of the doors glowed faintly with dark light, sealing them shut as if the doors had fused into a seamless wall.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In the sky above, six figures tore through the air, leaving deafening sonic booms in their wake. The intense bursts of sound echoed across the sky as they streaked forward. Beside them, dark, bottomless spatial cracks flickered into existence before the power of the world mended them, erasing all traces of their passage.
The booming noise drew the attention of those along their path, but most onlookers fled into the depths of the forests in terror. Two Dou Zuns and four peak Dou Zongs such power could obliterate the vast majority of forces in the Northwest Continent.
Xiu Tu cast a glance at Qin Tian. Just as he expected, Qin Tian was brimming with arrogance, acting as if the local powers of the Northwest Continent were beneath notice. He made no effort to conceal their approach.
Xiu Tu didn't care. In fact, he welcomed the display. It was an opportunity to send a message to the prominent forces in the Northwest: the Soul Hall was not to be trifled with.
In the southeastern region of the Northwest Continent, a massive city sprawled across a mountain range. Its towering gates were shaped like a giant lion's head, with golden mane locks billowing outward in an imposing manner that struck fear into those who beheld it.
This was the headquarters of the Lion Nether Sect, a major sect of the Northwest Continent. At the peak of the mountain, within a grand and lavish palace, a muscular middle aged man looked toward the northwest with furrowed brows.
"The Soul Hall… becoming more and more brazen," he muttered.
Elsewhere, within a different palace, an elder clad in green robes suddenly opened his eyes. Rising to his feet, he tilted his head to gaze at the sky above.
"The Soul Hall is truly overstepping their bounds!" His deep voice carried an undertone of malice, his tone cold and ominous.
With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a blast of energy against the armrest of the snake shaped chair he had been sitting on.
Whoosh!
In a flash, a massive black snake as thick as a human thigh appeared in the hall. Its body shimmered with an eerie light, and eight wings sprouted from its back.
"Old man, what do you want this time?" The Eight Winged Black Snake Emperor flicked its tail impatiently, clearly annoyed.
"Pass down the order full alert!" the elder said indifferently.
"What?!" The previously relaxed snake emperor stiffened, startled, and doubted if it had misheard.
But when it looked up, the old man's calm gaze bore no trace of humor.
"Understood!" The Eight Winged Black Snake Emperor cried out, no longer daring to delay. It scurried out in a flurry, moving with such haste that it almost tripped over itself. In a matter of moments, formations began to activate across the surrounding mountains, and shadowy figures swiftly took up hidden positions. A murderous aura spread through the mountain range like a tide.
"Teacher, what's going on?"
A crisp and youthful voice rang out. A graceful figure with ice blue wings descended into the hall.
"Qing Lin… hahaha, very good, very good. You've broken through to Dou Wang." The elder's previously dark expression gave way to a pleased smile. His eyes shone with satisfaction as he gazed at her Dou Qi wings.
As expected of his disciple. Her extraordinary talent had allowed her to advance to Dou Wang so quickly. Who in the entire Northwest Continent could rival such a prodigy?
Qing Lin tilted her head in confusion. What was wrong with her teacher again?
"Haha, you've emerged at just the right time. Teacher will take you to broaden your horizons," the elder said, laughing.
"Huh? Where to? Teacher, I don't want to go. It'll be boring. I'd rather focus on cultivating," Qing Lin frowned.
"To Jia Nan Academy. Qing Lin, cultivation is important, but "
"Teacher, I'll go with you!" Qing Lin interrupted, her clear eyes suddenly lighting up with excitement. She remembered her young master had mentioned that he would be heading to Jia Nan Academy after leaving the capital of the Jia Ma Empire.
If her memory served her right, her young master should currently be at Jia Nan Academy!
"Uh…" The elder was taken aback by her sudden change in attitude. It was the first time he had seen his disciple act this way.
His eyes flickered with understanding. As a leader of a major force, he quickly pieced together the reason behind her unusual behavior.
"If I recall correctly… Lü Man once mentioned Qing Lin has some 'young master'..." The elder's gaze darkened slightly, a trace of displeasure flashing through his eyes.
"Hmph! A little upstart from a remote kingdom like the Jia Ma Empire? What right does he have to have my disciple serve him?" The elder's mind turned cold. No, this wouldn't do. His disciple was destined for greatness. She couldn't be tethered by such petty emotions.
"Perhaps I should arrange for that boy to disappear…" With that thought, the elder flicked his finger, sending a beam of light shooting toward the Eight Winged Black Snake Emperor.
"Let's go, Qing Lin. I'll show you what a battle between Dou Zuns looks like," the elder said as he waved his sleeve. A ripple of spatial energy enveloped them, and in an instant, both figures vanished from the hall.
Outside, the Eight Winged Black Snake Emperor suddenly froze, its expression turning bitter as it looked back at Lü Man, who was riding on its back.
"What's wrong with you? Why the face? You look like someone stole Medusa from you!" Lü Man snapped, frowning.
"It's worse…" The Eight Winged Black Snake Emperor's lips quivered, and its massive body shuddered. "The old man told us to find a chance to get rid of Qing Lin's young master…"
The snake had encountered Lu Bu twice before, and each time it had been beaten terribly. The first time, it was almost roasted alive by his strange fire. The second time, it was nearly killed in a brutal tag team fight.
Get rid of him? He'd get rid of me first!
"Hisssss!"
Lü Man inhaled sharply, her face turning pale. "You idiot! You didn't tell the old man about the Yin Yang Mystic Dragon Pill or that guy's abilities?!"
"I was beaten so badly, how could I mention it… And you didn't say anything either!" the snake retorted. "You just handed the pill over to Qing Lin and called it a day!"
"It's not like I can meet the old man whenever I want!" Lü Man snapped.
The snake fell silent.
"So… the old man doesn't know a thing about that guy's strength or identity?" Lü Man asked darkly, her expression unreadable.
"Maybe… probably… I guess not…" The snake's voice grew weaker and weaker, its massive body trembling like a leaf in a storm.
"Then stop standing around. Let's take on some missions and get out of here!" Lü Man ordered sharply.
"W wouldn't that be overreacting?" The snake stammered, cold sweat pouring down its scaly face. "Other people who've met him might have said something…"
"Hah. Fine, you stay here. I'm leaving!" Lü Man sneered and vanished in a flash.
"Wait for me!" the snake cried, flapping its wings frantically as it chased after her.
(End of Chapter)
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