Chapter 277: Lu Bu, Renowned Across the Central Plains!
Sky Eye Mountain!
As the frenzy surrounding the Sky Eye Blood Pool subsided, the mountain gradually returned to its former quiet state, no longer bustling with activity or conflict.
The large number of people attracted by the allure of the blood pool began to retreat, leaving Sky Eye Mountain to once again become an unremarkable range, devoid of any extraordinary features.
As for the controversy surrounding the allocation of blood pool spots without the Four Pavilion Alliance stepping in, the involved factions only grumbled a bit. No one dared to actually make a move against the Gold Eating Rat Clan.
After all, Sky Eye Mountain wasn't a place easily meddled with, and the Gold Eating Rat Clan wasn't easy to provoke either.
The whole affair ultimately fizzled out amidst the noise, and after more than half a month, the matter was all but forgotten.
BOOM!
Suddenly, rolling thunderclouds formed over Sky Eye Mountain. Black clouds pressed low, and silver lightning, as thick as an arm, danced wildly in the sky. Deafening thunderclaps roared one after another, making the onlookers' hair stand on end.
"What's going on? Why is it suddenly thundering in clear skies?"
"Could this be a heavenly phenomenon? Did some treasure appear in Sky Eye Mountain again?"
"Fools who've never seen the world! This is Dan Lightning! It's the kind of lightning that descends when a seventh tier pill is successfully refined!"
"What? The Gold Eating Rat Clan has connections to a master alchemist of this level?"
"Who knows? Maybe they paid a fortune to hire someone to refine pills. Why don't you climb up there and ask? I'm sure the clan patriarch will be delighted to explain it to you."
"Shut it, you idiot! Say that again and see what happens!"
"You dare insult me? Looking for a beating?"
Around Sky Eye Mountain, the phenomenon of Dan Lightning attracted countless observers. Speculation, arguments, fights, and scuffles erupted, making the area lively and chaotic once more.
Within Sky Eye Mountain, the violent Dan Lightning drew out the Gold Eating Rat Clan's patriarch from his meditation.
"Jin Shi, what's going on here?" The clan patriarch craned his neck to observe the ferocious thunderclouds in the sky.
"Haha… Patriarch, we were fortunate enough to meet an alchemical prodigy, a genius unseen for a thousand years. He has agreed to help cure my fire toxin!" Jin Shi exclaimed excitedly.
This Lu Bu looked to be in his early twenties at most, an age that would barely count as infancy among magical beasts. Yet he could refine seventh tier pills. He was undoubtedly a once in a millennium alchemical prodigy.
"At the peak of alchemy, who stands supreme? One glance at Lu Bu, and the path fades to emptiness!" Jin Gu echoed with admiration, his words filled with awe. Such a nickname wasn't lightly bestowed, and Lu Bu truly lived up to the title of an extraordinary alchemical genius!
"Oh?" The clan patriarch raised an eyebrow but wisely refrained from making any sarcastic remarks. Alchemists were notoriously temperamental, and offending one was rarely worth the risk.
Nearby, Lin Yan pressed his lips together, his expression a mix of awkwardness and amusement. He wanted to laugh but didn't dare, forcing himself to endure the discomfort.
"These two… truly leave me speechless…" Lin Yan thought, recalling how Lu Bu had previously claimed to be Dou Di material, only to now become the pinnacle of alchemy.
He didn't need to guess Lu Bu had clearly been behind the former proclamation, while the latter was undoubtedly Xiao Yan's way of getting back at him.
Lin Yan understood the reasoning. Xiao Yan felt indignant and wanted revenge perfectly normal. But… what if Lu Bu decided to hit back physically? After all, Lu Bu had been capable of killing Dou Kings while still a Dou Spirit.
Not to mention that brute force alone made him a nightmare.
"This is going to be trouble…" Lin Yan thought, cold sweat forming on his brow.
Elsewhere, Xiao Yan gazed at the surging thunderclouds, his heart swelling with ambition. His teacher had once said that successfully refining a pill that attracted Dan Lightning marked the completion of one's apprenticeship.
However, the excitement quickly faded, and Xiao Yan's face turned serious again. Seventh tier… Although he had made significant progress, he couldn't afford to become complacent. Lu Bu had already been capable of refining high grade seventh tier pills back when they were still at Jia Nan Academy.
He still had a lot of catching up to do!
BOOM! BOOM!
Above, the lightning became even more brilliant. Xiao Yan clenched his fists, waved his sleeve, and summoned his Earth Demon Puppet to block the incoming Dan Lightning.
"That old bastard Mu Gu once mentioned puppets… What did he mean by that?" Xiao Yan wondered, though he quickly set the thought aside. What mattered most was increasing his strength.
Meanwhile, the Gold Eating Rat Clan members stared at the floating puppet with wide eyes, their faces filled with shock.
"This… Is that a Dou Zong level puppet?"
"As expected of an alchemical genius. His methods are truly extraordinary!"
Jin Shi and Jin Gu had initially prepared to help withstand the Dan Lightning, but upon seeing the puppet, they realized their assistance wasn't needed.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Lightning bolts rained down, their deafening explosions echoing continuously. Brilliant arcs of silver light streaked across the dark sky, illuminating all of Sky Eye Mountain in a radiant glow.
After a full fifteen minutes, the oppressive thunderclouds gradually dissipated, revealing the clear blue sky. The long lost sunlight brought a sense of comfort and relief.
"Haha! Master Lu Bu truly lives up to his reputation as an alchemical genius!" Jin Shi approached with Jin Gu and their clan patriarch, his face full of admiration.
A seventh tier alchemist was worthy of being greeted personally by their patriarch.
"You flatter me, Senior. Here is the Ice Vein Pill, a low grade seventh tier pill. Please take it, and I will assist you with the follow up removal of the fire toxin."
"Thank you, Master Lu Bu!" Jin Shi exclaimed joyfully.
"No need to thank me. But… as you know, I'm just starting out in this field. My alchemical skills are decent, but I'm not widely known yet. So, could I trouble you to help me with something?"
"Understood!" Jin Shi nodded in realization and solemnly replied, "Indeed, someone like Master Lu Bu should not have such limited fame. Leave it to the Gold Eating Rat Clan!"
"Our numbers may be many, but when it comes to spreading information and making names known, that's where we excel!"
"Haha… In that case, I'll have to thank you in advance, Senior Jin Shi!"
Three Days Later
Xiao Yan and Lin Yan descended Sky Eye Mountain together, heading toward the nearest spatial wormhole.
"Xiao Yan, aren't you afraid Lu Bu will beat you up?" Lin Yan asked, clearly referring to the recent fame building antics.
"Why should he be allowed to set fires, but I can't light a candle?" Xiao Yan replied with righteous indignation. "Besides, I wasn't doing it out of boredom or spite. I'm looking for him I have something important to discuss!"
Lin Yan: "…"
You're definitely doing this out of spite!
"What's your next destination?" Lin Yan asked with a sigh.
"To Burning Flame Valley. I need to take care of something there," Xiao Yan replied. The Three Mysterious Flame Technique was invaluable to him, and he needed to obtain the complete technique.
This trip would determine whether he could secure it. Regardless, he planned to return to the Falling Star Pavilion to train, refine the Bone Chilling Flame, and prepare to rescue his teacher.
This was also why he wanted to find Lu Bu. Rescuing his teacher and fighting the Soul Hall required strong allies, and Lu Bu was an incredible asset. With just his Dou Zong level puppets, he could rival forces like the Four Pavilion Alliance.
Not to mention his own strength and the newly ascended Dou Zong, Queen Medusa.
The only problem was that Lu Bu would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to exploit him and demand an outrageous price.
Thinking of this, Xiao Yan's face twitched. He couldn't imagine what unreasonable conditions Lu Bu might impose this time it was always something that hurt the most.
"Burning Flame Valley?" Hearing Xiao Yan's next destination, Lin Yan paused for a moment before grinning. "Oh? I happen to know a good place to go!"
"Huh?"
"Liu Qing! His family lives in Tianhuang City, which happens to be within the Burning Flame Valley's sphere of influence. Come on, I'll take you there!" Lin Yan laughed loudly.
He chuckled mischievously Senior Sister Zi Yan had become a Dou Zong, and Xiao Yan had also advanced to Dou Zong. As the former third ranker on the Strongest Ranking, Liu Qing's reaction would surely be amusing.
Lin Yan let out a sinister laugh. At last, he wouldn't be the only one suffering anymore!
Northern Region of the Pill Realm!
After a series of spatial wormhole jumps, Medusa and her group of four finally arrived near the Fallen God Gorge in the Pill Realm.
Xiao Yi Xian's Woeful Poison Body, after many days of careful adjustment, wasn't entirely suppressed, but the seal had been mostly restored. As long as she refrained from any drastic actions, there shouldn't be any problems.
"What now? Where do we look for Lu Bu?" Zi Yan asked, looking at the bustling city and the endless mountain ranges in the distance with some confusion.
"This…" Medusa was also uncertain. After destroying the Soul Hall branch, the situation had been urgent, and Lu Bu hadn't even had time to craft a soul jade slip for communication. He had only left them a general region before hurriedly departing.
"Let's find a place to settle down first," Yun Yun said, her voice calm as her lips under the veil pressed slightly together. "With the title 'Dou Di Talent' carrying such fame, we'll find some clues if we search carefully. If we really can't find him, entering Fallen God Gorge will be a last resort."
"Alright," Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian nodded. The fame of "Dou Di Talent" made it likely that any actions he took would attract attention and discussion, making him relatively easy to locate.
Moreover, Fallen God Gorge was filled with poisonous beasts and creatures, which made it dangerous. While Xiao Yi Xian might normally handle it with ease, her current condition made it too risky. If there was a better lead, they would naturally pursue that first.
With this plan in mind, the group entered a well kept inn, renting a spacious room before heading to the busy first floor to gather information.
The fame of "Dou Di Talent" was so great that any movements he made would likely cause waves, making it easier to overhear related news.
"Hahaha, have you guys heard? A legendary ancient treasure was discovered in Holy Pill City!"
"An ancient treasure? Holy Pill City? Are you sure? That place is more crowded than an ant's nest. How could it hide a treasure?"
"You're so narrow minded. Who said ancient treasures have to be massive?"
"Then tell us, what kind of treasure is it?"
"Spirit Nurturing Dust!"
"What?! Are you sure it's Spirit Nurturing Dust?" The room erupted into chaos. This was the Pill Realm. Although not everyone was an alchemist, the alchemical culture was strong, and many were familiar with rare medicinal materials or ancient alchemy legends.
While most such stories were exaggerated or false, that didn't stop people from being intrigued.
"Spirit Nurturing Dust is the kind of treasure sought after by countless seventh tier alchemists. Are you sure it's real?" Many people's eyes burned with eagerness, their hands itching to head straight to Holy Pill City.
Fortune favored the bold. If they could get their hands on just a small amount, even one grain, seventh tier alchemists would grovel before them. Then, they could
"Don't even think about it! Word has it that the one who obtained the Spirit Nurturing Dust is none other than the famed Dou Di Talent, Xiao Yan!"
"Xiao Yan? That's the guy who dared to wipe out a Soul Hall branch. And I've heard he's accompanied by an eight star Dou Zong brute. If you want to go, be my guest."
The crowd fell into an uproar upon hearing this. It made sense now only someone as formidable as Xiao Yan could have obtained the treasure.
"So it's Xiao Yan! No wonder… Wait, he's also an alchemist?"
"Have you been living under a rock? He's reportedly taking the exam for a mid level seventh tier alchemist. He's a double threat an expert in both Dou Qi and alchemy!"
In a corner of the room, Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged glances, their beautiful eyes reflecting shared delight. So, Lu Bu was in Holy Pill City.
"Ha! Dou Di Talent? Maybe his combat prowess is impressive, but when it comes to alchemy… Hmph, Lu Bu is on another level!"
"Who? Lu Bu? Never heard of him!"
"Some no name trying to ride the coattails of the Dou Di Talent?"
Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian's faces grew awkward. What on earth was happening?
"Short sighted fools! Lu Bu is the greatest alchemical genius in a thousand years! Let me enlighten you with a poem:
At the peak of alchemy, who stands supreme? One glance at Lu Bu, and the path fades to emptiness!"
"What an arrogant claim! This is going to drive the alchemists crazy."
"When Xiao Yan was first dubbed the Dou Di Talent, didn't you say the same thing? And look how that turned out!"
"This is getting interesting. Lu Bu challenging the Pill Tower, Xiao Yan challenging the Soul Hall Zhongzhou is becoming more exciting by the day!"
Medusa pondered for a moment and said, "This 'Lu Bu' must be someone stirring up trouble deliberately…"
"So we're still heading to Holy Pill City?" Xiao Yi Xian asked, her gaze flickering. Compared to this supposed "Lu Bu, Master of Alchemy," Xiao Yan's location was more certain.
And besides… Lu Bu would never flaunt his name so brazenly. It was obvious that the latter was the real Lu Bu.
"This has to be Xiao Yan stirring up trouble!" Xiao Yi Xian muttered, grinding her teeth. Yun Yun had mentioned spotting Xiao Yan at Sky Eye Mountain, and putting two and two together, it was almost certainly Xiao Yan's doing.
"Don't worry, we'll deal with him later… Hmm?" Medusa's words trailed off as her senses alerted her to something. She turned her gaze sharply toward a white clad, slightly feminine looking man in the corner. He raised his cup toward them with a bright and sunny smile.
Medusa's gaze turned icy, sending a chill through the air that made the onlookers shiver and break out in goosebumps.
However, Medusa didn't act against him. Instead, she rose and returned to their room with Xiao Yi Xian.
Normally, she would have dealt with him instantly, but finding Lu Bu was her priority now, so she let him off this time.
As the two graceful figures left, the white clad youth smiled faintly. "What a stunning woman… A bit cold, though."
"Haha, no matter how cold, young master, she'll surely burn with passion in your hands!" his servant said with a flattering laugh.
"You really know how to talk!" The youth patted his servant's head, visibly pleased. "Keep an eye on this place. If they show up again, let me know immediately."
"Don't worry, young master, I'll handle it perfectly!"
Pill Tower Star Domain!
Hei Qing furrowed his brow, staring impatiently at the endless black void in front of him.
"Damn it… It's been over half a month…" He scratched his head, anxiety evident on his face. He wanted to wait for Lu Bu to join him on their journey to meet the Dragon Emperor's bloodline, but he couldn't wait forever.
"Just a few more days!" Hei Qing gritted his teeth.
If there was still no sign of Lu Bu, he would leave, with or without him.
Just as Hei Qing was muttering to himself, the black void in front of him rippled faintly, almost imperceptibly.
(Chapter End)
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