Chapter 279: I Have a Friend...
High above the Pill Tower, three figures streaked through the air, their gazes fixed warily on the empty void ahead.
"The Three Thousand Burning Flame has completely vanished. I can't sense even a trace of the starry Sky Burning Flame from the Star Region anymore," Xuan Yi murmured, her lips twitching slightly. She truly couldn't fathom how Lu Bu had managed to achieve this.
That was the Sky Burning Flame, a massive entity with a dragon body stretching thousands of feet. Its size rivaled the north to south distance of Holy Pill City itself.
"It seems he succeeded," Tianlei Zi sighed, astonished. This flame, which the three of them had failed to subdue, had somehow been tamed by Lu Bu alone. How had he done it?
"That boy has no shortage of trump cards…" Xuan Kong Zi lamented. That black shroud, which seemed capable of devouring everything, was clearly not ordinary. It must hide some fascinating secrets...
Xuan Kong Zi pressed his lips together. A sudden urge rose within him to capture Lu Bu and interrogate him thoroughly.
Of course, this thought was fleeting. Setting aside Lu Bu's strength, there was also his close relationship with the Ancient Void Dragon clan, which made it impossible to act against him. Moreover, Lu Bu's connection to Yao Chen was equally significant, further eliminating any possibility of confrontation.
While his thoughts shifted, faint spatial ripples spread across the air. A silver portal slowly materialized, and two figures emerged from within.
The three Pill Tower giants squinted slightly. No matter how many times they saw it, the Ancient Void Dragon's effortless creation of spatial portals never ceased to amaze them.
"Greetings, seniors," Lu Bu said with a smile, cupping his hands in respect.
"It seems the Sky Burning Flame is now in your possession," Xuan Kong Zi said with a hint of awe.
"I have the three seniors to thank for giving me this opportunity," Lu Bu replied with a light laugh.
Xuan Kong Zi shook his head with a smile. Even if they hadn't allowed it, Lu Bu had plenty of ways to access the Star Region. Even if they had tried to stop him, the Ancient Void Dragon clan would've stepped in.
Lu Bu had chosen a path that satisfied everyone, giving both the Pill Tower and the three giants plenty of face.
"Shall we have a chat? There's something we need to discuss with you," Xuan Kong Zi suggested, waving his hand as silver light shimmered, forming a glowing portal.
Like Hei Qing, Xuan Kong Zi could create spatial portals with ease. However, it was worth noting that Xuan Kong Zi was at the peak of the Dou Zun realm, just a step away from becoming a Half Saint, while Hei Qing was merely an eight star Dou Zun. The gap between them was vast.
"Oh? What is it?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow and followed the three giants through the portal.
Behind him, Hei Qing furrowed his brows, lips moving as if he wanted to speak. However, after a moment of hesitation, he decided to wait until Lu Bu was done with the Pill Tower matters. The Dragon Emperor's bloodline was a significant topic, and he needed to know Lu Bu's stance.
Furthermore, the Dragon Island's situation was a tightly guarded secret of the Ancient Void Dragon clan. Hei Qing wasn't ready to reveal everything unless absolutely necessary.
Lu Bu, oblivious to Hei Qing's inner turmoil, entered the Pill Tower with the three leaders and found himself in a spacious and well lit meeting room. Inside were two young individuals: one was a woman, Cao Ying, while the other was a man in black robes with a seven star high tier alchemist badge pinned to his chest. He was presumably the so called Song Qing.
Lu Bu's gaze swept over them briefly before shifting away.
"Lu Bu, you are now one of the Pill Tower's Eight Reserve Elders. While this title grants you privileges similar to those of a guest elder, it doesn't include the authority of a full Elder," Xuan Kong Zi explained with a smile.
"That's fair," Lu Bu nodded slightly. The Eight Elders and the three giants formed the core leadership of the Pill Tower. While he was talented, it made sense that they wouldn't grant him such authority right away.
Xuan Kong Zi nodded approvingly. Lu Bu's composure and lack of arrogance impressed him. He wasn't like some young prodigy who let early success get to his head.
Unlike Song Qing, who clearly lacked such steadiness.
"As a reserve Elder, you can choose to undergo the promotion assessment at any time or never take it at all. The decision is entirely yours," Xuan Kong Zi explained. "Yao Chen was also one of the reserve Eight Elders. Unfortunately, that old rascal couldn't sit still…"
At this, Xuan Kong Zi shook his head with a sigh. That old guy, always stirring trouble, had eventually gotten himself reduced to a mere soul.
"So, do you wish to take the promotion assessment?" Xuan Kong Zi asked. "Becoming one of the Eight Elders would grant you both glory and authority."
"I'll think about it in a few days," Lu Bu replied with a shrug. He wasn't particularly interested. His goal in earning the Pill Tower's recognition as an eighth tier alchemist had been to gain access to the Three Thousand Burning Flame. Now that he had it, the Pill Tower's status didn't hold much appeal.
"As expected…" Xuan Kong Zi, Xuan Yi, and Tianlei Zi exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with helplessness. Yao Chen had been the same way.
"Let's move on to another matter," Xuan Kong Zi said, while Cao Ying's eyes lit up. A trace of anticipation and excitement flickered across her charming face.
Song Qing, noticing her reaction, frowned slightly, irritation flashing in his gaze. However, he didn't dare speak out. Lu Bu was an eighth tier alchemist, someone far beyond his ability to challenge.
"What is it, senior?" Lu Bu asked with a smile.
"Your Green Lotus Core Flame… it's idle now, isn't it?" Xuan Kong Zi smiled. "Since you've refined the Three Thousand Burning Flame, would you consider trading the Green Lotus Core Flame to Ying'er? Name your price, and we'll do our best to meet your demands."
"Oh…" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow in understanding. So Xuan Kong Zi wanted to trade for the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Cao Ying's smile deepened as she looked at Lu Bu. As an alchemist, she longed to possess her own Heavenly Flame. However, her family had only been able to provide her with the inferior Blood Demon Flame as a substitute.
"Unfortunately, I'll have to disappoint you," Lu Bu said, shaking his head. "I have a friend from the Spirit Tribe, and I've already promised to give her the Green Lotus Core Flame to use as her Spirit Servant."
"A Spirit Tribe member… I see," Xuan Kong Zi murmured, glancing at his disciple with a hint of regret.
Cao Ying's previously excited expression dimmed, disappointment flickering across her face. As the most talented alchemist of her generation in the Pill Tower, she knew of the ancient Spirit Tribe from her teacher's teachings. With that knowledge, she realized her hopes were futile.
Meanwhile, a flicker of joy crossed Song Qing's eyes. Good, he thought. Ying'er won't take a liking to this Lu Bu now.
"Well, then. You young people can chat amongst yourselves. We'll take our leave," Xuan Kong Zi said, gesturing to Xuan Yi and Tianlei Zi as they exited the room.
"Lu Bu, there's been a new Lu Bu making waves in Zhongzhou recently, calling himself a genius in alchemy," Cao Ying said with a playful smile, quickly regaining her composure.
"Oh? Can you tell me more?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. Could this be Xiao Yan's doing? he wondered, immediately suspecting the culprit. That kid had a history, after all.
Cao Ying's smile widened, her playful tone hinting at amusement. Clearly, she found the situation entertaining.
"Ahem… It's nothing much," Song Qing interjected, eager to cut the growing rapport between the two. "The rumors seem to have started in the Northern Region."
"I was originally planning to check out this so called alchemy genius myself, but unexpectedly, Ice River Valley started making big moves in the northern region of the Pill Domain. Even Dou Zuns were mobilized, so I decided to hold off and observe for now."
"Ice River Valley? Big moves?" Lu Bu's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint sense of unease rising in his heart.
Cao Ying shot a glare at Song Qing. Why are you interrupting for no reason?
"I heard they're hunting down some woman with a Woeful Poison Body, but I don't know the details…" Cao Ying shrugged indifferently, but before she could finish her sentence, Lu Bu abruptly stood up.
"Excuse me, both of you. I need to leave right now. Apologies," Lu Bu said in a deep voice, turning to Hei Qing. "Hei Qing, let's go."
"Wait " Cao Ying instinctively tried to stop him, but Lu Bu had already stepped into a spatial portal with Hei Qing.
"What could be so urgent… more important than finding a partner?" Cao Ying muttered gloomily, stomping off in frustration, leaving Song Qing standing alone.
In the boundless void, Lu Bu's face was solemn. "Hei Qing, can you sense the other Ancient Void Dragons in Zhongzhou?"
"You mean the young dragon who gave you her blood essence?" Hei Qing's expression turned serious. "Lu Bu, I can locate her, but first… you need to tell me does she have the Dragon Emperor's bloodline?"
As he spoke, Hei Qing took out a dark golden scale and held it up.
Lu Bu took the scale and glanced at it, his lips twitching in exasperation. "Of course she does! Hei Qing, why didn't you tell me this earlier? If you had, I wouldn't have wasted time negotiating with the Pill Tower!"
"Let's go find them first. They're in danger. We can talk about this on the way."
"Them?" Hei Qing was momentarily confused. Are there multiple Dragon Emperor bloodlines involved? But soon, a look of delight crossed his face. "Alright, get on!"
With a flicker of his form, Hei Qing transformed into a massive Ancient Void Dragon, hundreds of feet long. Carrying Lu Bu, he streaked through the void, tearing across space.
As for the questions in Hei Qing's heart, he could wait. The answers would become clear once they arrived.
The Wudi Mountain Range, south of the Falling God Ravine.
After leaving Dingfan City, Medusa and her group flew southward. Once they crossed the Wudi Mountain Range, they would reach another city with a spatial wormhole leading to Holy Pill City.
However, just as they reached the skies above the mountain range, space began to ripple. Four elders dressed in pristine white robes slowly appeared, their figures emerging from the distorted air.
The moment they appeared, a bone chilling cold enveloped the land. White frost condensed in the air, and tiny ice crystals began to drift down.
A sharp, murderous aura filled the atmosphere.
"Ice River Valley? What's the meaning of this?" Medusa's enchanting eyes gleamed with icy light. She had no intention of provoking Ice River Valley, even sparing a subordinate faction of theirs earlier.
But she hadn't expected them to come looking for trouble instead!
Xiao Yi Xian and Yun Yun exchanged a glance, their expressions becoming grave. It was clear that these people had ill intentions.
The leading elder of Ice River Valley put on a kindly smile and spoke in a gentle voice. "Hehe, greetings, my friend. I am Tian Shuangzi, the Grand Elder of Ice River Valley "
"I don't care who you are. Move aside!" Medusa snapped coldly.
The harsh rebuke caused Tian Shuangzi's smile to freeze awkwardly. Based on their intelligence, this woman was also a Dou Zun, but given her youth, she couldn't possibly be too powerful.
"My friend, Ice River Valley is here today for one reason only the Woeful Poison Body," Tian Shuangzi said calmly, his gaze shifting to the white haired Xiao Yi Xian before continuing, "Hand her over, and you all may leave safely. Otherwise… you will become enemies of Ice River Valley!"
"Sir, your strength is commendable, but don't overestimate yourself. Offending Ice River Valley in Zhongzhou is no laughing matter."
The old man's calm words sent a chill through the air. Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, and Zi Yan all felt their expressions grow colder. Sparing Ice River Valley earlier had clearly been a grave mistake.
"Hehe, Grand Elder, it seems these people aren't inclined to accept our kindness…" Another elder beside him, gripping a serpent headed staff, let out a raspy laugh. His voice, harsh and grating like nails on glass, sent shivers down one's spine.
The other two elders standing nearby wore sinister grins as they leered at Yun Yun, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan like prey caught in a net.
"In that case… kill them!" Tian Shuangzi declared indifferently.
Boom!
The moment the words left his mouth, a terrifying surge of energy erupted. White frost spewed forth, filling the air with a freezing chill that threatened to consume everything.
Medusa raised a hand, unleashing her own Dou Qi in a gale that resisted Tian Shuangzi's overwhelming pressure.
"Hold off the others while I deal with him. Once I'm done, I'll come help you," she said, her tone as calm as if she were discussing the weather. With a flick of her wrist, a dazzling sword radiating cold light appeared in her hand.
"Deal with me?" Tian Shuangzi chuckled, as though he'd just heard the funniest joke in the world. "Ever since I entered the Dou Zun realm, no one has dared speak to me like that!"
"Die!"
With a fierce glint in his eyes, Tian Shuangzi struck out with his palm. A massive hand formed of ice crystals materialized and hurtled toward Medusa, tearing through the air with a deafening roar.
The sheer force of the hand was enough to crush anyone caught beneath it.
Medusa's gaze was cold as her figure flickered, vanishing in an instant.
In the next moment, a radiant arc of sword light slashed downward, splitting the sky itself with its razor sharp edge.
Clang!
Tian Shuangzi whirled around, his hand encased in ice as he intercepted the deadly blade.
"What speed!" His pupils contracted in shock. "This woman isn't simple!"
"Isn't she?" Medusa replied icily, her slender arm pressing forward. The sword in her hand shimmered with a cold brilliance as it forced Tian Shuangzi's arm downward inch by inch.
"You…" Tian Shuangzi's expression darkened. How could her physical strength be this overwhelming? Could she be a magical beast?
Clang!
The sword trembled as it released a burst of energy. A crescent shaped wave of light arced forward, dazzling and deadly.
Clang!
Tian Shuangzi grunted, his body hurtling backward before finally coming to an unsteady stop.
"Grand Elder!" the three other elders cried out in alarm.
"What skill…" Tian Shuangzi muttered, his voice hoarse. A thin line of blood appeared on his sagging, wrinkled neck, a crimson bead forming before it dripped to the ground.
So close… just a little closer, and she would've severed my head.
"Tian She, Bing Yuan, Bing Fu!" Tian Shuangzi barked. "I'll hold her off. The three of you, capture the others!"
At his command, the three elders shifted their focus, locking their killing intent on Xiao Yi Xian, Yun Yun, and Zi Yan.
Their goal was clear: secure the Woeful Poison Body at all costs.
Medusa glanced at the cautious Tian Shuangzi and smirked. Her enchanting eyes sparkled with mockery. "What's wrong? Didn't you just say you were going to kill us all?"
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