Chapter 287: Half Saint, a Mighty Expert from the Ancient Dragon Clan!
Saint Pill City.
"This Cao Ying doesn't seem ordinary," Medusa remarked casually, her gaze sweeping over Lu Bu's face now and then.
"Your Majesty, you're overthinking it. I'm not interested in her," Lu Bu replied with a roll of his eyes. "If I had feelings for her, would I even let her meet you? I'd definitely be sneaking around with her, madly in love. Then, when the time was right, I'd announce our relationship in front of all of you!"
Medusa shot him a glare, annoyed. "It's true you don't have feelings for her, but how do you know she doesn't have feelings for you?"
"Uh..." Lu Bu scratched his head. She had a point, and he couldn't argue.
"From now on, you're not allowed to meet her privately!" Medusa declared firmly.
"Got it! I promise I won't meet her alone or in secret!" Lu Bu nodded repeatedly. He understood the reasoning when a guy goes out, he needs to protect himself!
Seeing him agree so readily, Medusa finally nodded in satisfaction. "So, where are we heading next?"
"To gather more medicinal herbs. I need to refine some pills for all of you," Lu Bu said, taking Medusa's hand and leading her into several herb shops.
Lu Bu's funds were more than sufficient, bolstered by the wealth he had seized from Mu Gu and the Ice River Sovereign. He could afford to buy plenty of what he needed.
After collecting the desired herbs, Lu Bu visited the Pill Tower headquarters to meet with the three leaders. He asked to use the Pill Tower's resources to search for Seven Colored Origin Stones and any related information.
The three leaders were more than happy to help because Lu Bu presented them with three eight tier pills with three colored pill lightning a remarkably generous gesture. Even for the Pill Tower, such high value transactions were rare.
Lu Bu didn't feel the least bit of pain giving away the pills. They had been refined by Mu Gu and were useless to him. Why not make good use of them?
After taking care of these matters, Lu Bu returned to the estate with Medusa. However, the moment they arrived, Lu Bu felt a vast and overwhelming aura immense and incredibly powerful.
"Hm?" Medusa's expression shifted. How could such a strong individual arrive without a sound, and none of them notice until now?
"Don't worry," Lu Bu reassured her, squeezing her hand lightly. He had already sensed Hei Qing's presence mixed in with the aura. If he guessed correctly, it must be an expert from the Void Ancient Dragon Clan, likely here to escort Zi Yan back.
With a flicker of movement, Lu Bu appeared in the estate's main hall with Medusa. Seated in the guest chair was an elderly man in white robes, his expression kind and serene. Beside him, Hei Qing stood respectfully, not daring to show the slightest hint of insolence.
Medusa raised an eyebrow. The old man exuded sincerity and didn't seem the type to act domineering or oppressive.
"Haha, I am Zhu Li. I hope my unexpected visit hasn't caused offense," the elder said warmly, smiling as he saw the two enter.
However, a faint glint of sharpness flickered in his cloudy eyes. He could tell at a glance that the young man before him was extraordinary. Despite being no older than twenty, he had already reached the Douzun realm and mastered the art of an eighth tier alchemist. Such a person was rare indeed.
Both Dou Qi and alchemy were profound and vast disciplines, with few able to pursue both simultaneously. Yet Lu Bu, still so young, had reached unparalleled heights in both fields a feat that could only be compared to the prodigies of ancient imperial clans. His talent was nothing short of terrifying.
"You're too kind, Senior Zhu Li," Lu Bu said with a slight nod before getting straight to the point. "You're here for Zi Yan, aren't you?"
"Indeed," Zhu Li replied after a moment of surprise at Lu Bu's bluntness. His expression grew more serious, though his demeanor remained friendly.
"I have no objection to that, but whether you can convince Zi Yan will depend on your ability," Lu Bu said after a brief pause. While he was reluctant to part with Zi Yan, it wasn't realistic to keep her by his side forever.
Medusa's face showed a hint of unease. Was Zi Yan really leaving? She had grown fond of the little girl and couldn't help but feel a pang of reluctance.
"Naturally," Zhu Li responded with a faint smile as an indescribable aura began to emanate from him.
Lu Bu furrowed his brows. Thanks to the Azure Dragon Transformation Art, he could sense the meaning behind this aura it was a call, a summoning.
Moments later, the door to the training room creaked open, and Zi Yan dashed out on her short legs. However, her expression shifted when she saw Zhu Li. She recognized his origins, but over the years, she had grown attached to Lu Bu and her sisters. The longing she once felt for her clan had faded because she had found a better family here.
Zhu Li didn't seem upset by her reaction. He smiled and began to speak, but only Zi Yan could hear his words his use of space manipulation ensured no one else could listen in.
"He's strong," Medusa remarked, her eyes narrowing in concentration. It wasn't just sound isolation Zhu Li's manipulation of space was so seamless that even as a Douzun, she couldn't detect the slightest ripple.
"Half Saint, most likely," Lu Bu murmured, his brows furrowed. Zhu Li wasn't just a Douzun but a Half Saint, likely in the early stages of that realm.
Lu Bu recalled that in the original story, when the other three Dragon Islands attacked, one of their Half Saints had held off Zhu Li. Another Douzun level expert had gone head to head with the East Dragon Island's top expert, Qi You, while the third had swatted Hei Qing and the Iron Sword Master aside with ease only to be driven off by the newly awakened Zi Yan.
"Half Saint…" Medusa's expression grew solemn. No wonder Zhu Li had such an overwhelming presence.
Nearby, Hei Qing's eyes gleamed with excitement. The Third Elder had reached the Half Saint realm? This was excellent news! The East Dragon Island's strength had grown even stronger.
"Fine, I'll go with you to this East Dragon Island," Zi Yan's reluctant voice broke the silence. Her small face was full of dissatisfaction.
Medusa was surprised. Despite Zi Yan's young appearance, she was notoriously stubborn, rarely changing her mind once she made a decision. What had this Dragon Elder said to convince her?
"He said if I go back with him, I'll grow up faster!" Zi Yan pouted, clearly upset. She didn't want to leave Lu Bu, but her desire to grow up outweighed her reluctance.
Why did she want to grow up? To mate, of course!
Medusa had already completed her "mating" process, and Zi Yan didn't want to be left behind. She didn't want to wait until Medusa had laid eggs before she had her chance.
"Here, take these pills. Use them sparingly," Lu Bu said, handing Zi Yan a storage ring.
"Hehe, no need! I'll just come back for more when I run out!" Zi Yan giggled mischievously, openly plotting her return in front of Zhu Li.
Zhu Li was speechless. It seemed the Dragon Emperor bloodline was already leaning toward the "outside world."
"Oh, right, take this too!" Zi Yan suddenly remembered something. She raised her small hand, and with a flick of her finger, three drops of purple golden blood were forced out, glowing with brilliance.
"Wait, you don't have to " Lu Bu exclaimed in shock, but the three drops of essence blood had already appeared before him.
"You little rascal…" Lu Bu sighed helplessly as he ruffled her hair and reluctantly accepted the gift. Then, he placed a few jade bottles into her storage ring as compensation.
"These are pills for fortifying your foundation and nourishing your vitality, ranging from Tier Five to Tier Seven. Take them regularly," Lu Bu said.
"Mm hmm..." Zi Yan nodded, her small face pale. Though giving three drops of her essence blood wasn't as debilitating as it used to be, it still wasn't a pleasant experience.
Watching their interaction, Zhu Li's eyes flickered with thought. He had heard from Hei Qing about Lu Bu's supposed unique Dou Technique, but it seemed he wouldn't get to witness it this time.
"Well then, everyone, I shall take my leave," Zhu Li said, standing up slowly and nodding slightly.
"Medusa, take care. And say goodbye to Yun Yun and Xiao Yi Xian for me..." Zi Yan's eyes reddened slightly, her reluctance to part clearly showing.
"Zi Yan, cultivate diligently," Medusa said, her red lips pressed together as she gently nodded.
With those words, spatial ripples appeared and, in a blink, Zi Yan, Zhu Li, and Hei Qing slowly vanished.
At the same time, an invisible spiritual force swept over the area. Lu Bu raised his eyes slightly, and his soul power surged forth, driving it away. If he guessed correctly, it was likely one of the Pill Tower's leaders observing them.
"I'm going to refine pills now, Your Majesty. Please guard me," Lu Bu said softly, leading Medusa to the spacious training grounds within the estate. With a wave of his sleeve, the Myriad Beast Cauldron descended, and the purple black Three Thousand Burning Flame roared to life.
Seeing this, Medusa's figure flashed, and she took her position atop the estate, ready to guard.
With a flick of his fingers, one ingredient after another flew into the air. Today, Lu Bu planned to refine two kinds of pills: a high tier seventh grade Lesser Assist Pill for Yun Yun and a Jie Li Pill for Xiao Yi Xian.
As the exotic flame danced and the ingredients flew into the Myriad Beast Cauldron, the invisible spiritual force in the sky slowly receded until it vanished completely.
At the Pill Tower, Xuan Kong Zi opened his eyes with a faint sigh. "That kid, Lu Bu... If I'm not mistaken, that Half Saint aura earlier belonged to someone from the Ancient Dragon Clan. He really does have deep ties with the Void Ancient Dragons."
"Forget it. There's no malice. Let him be," Xuan Kong Zi shrugged and stopped paying attention to Lu Bu.
Meanwhile, deep in the process of pill refinement, Lu Bu entered a state of total concentration, completely immersed in his craft and cutting himself off from external distractions. This was why he needed someone to guard him he preferred to focus entirely on one task and delegate other responsibilities, unless absolutely necessary.
Time passed, and the aroma of medicine began to waft through the estate.
On the rooftop, a white figure flickered as Xiao Yi Xian appeared beside Medusa.
"Lu Bu's refining pills again?" Xiao Yi Xian asked softly, her gaze fixed on the figure hovering before the cauldron below.
"It seems your progress isn't small either," Medusa remarked as she glanced at Xiao Yi Xian, a hint of surprise flashing across her face. Xiao Yi Xian's aura was now perfectly integrated, her movements seamless and without leakage completely unlike someone who had only recently advanced to the Dou Zun realm.
"Not bad," Xiao Yi Xian replied with a faint smile. "In a few days, advancing to Two Star Dou Zun won't be a problem."
As she spoke, she cast a slightly provocative glance at Medusa. Under normal circumstances, her progress wouldn't have been this fast. But thanks to the Poison Pill Method, her mastery over the Woeful Poison Body had grown exponentially. Combined with the massive stockpile of toxins she'd acquired from the Ice River Valley's leader, surpassing Medusa was well within reach.
"Is that so?" Medusa's lips curved slightly. With a casual movement of her jade like hand, a small jade bottle appeared in her palm. "This is the first eight tier pill Lu Bu refined complete with three colored pill lightning. Looks like I'm still a step ahead."
"What?" Xiao Yi Xian froze, her beautiful face stiffening. She glared at Medusa with wide eyes. This detestable woman what was she showing off for?
"Perfect timing. I'm heading into seclusion for an advancement. You guard Lu Bu for me," Medusa said with a light laugh, patting her peach shaped hips before gracefully leaving the scene.
"Damn it, just wait..." Xiao Yi Xian gritted her teeth as she watched Medusa's retreating figure. "Let's see how Yun Yun and I deal with you in the future!"
Several days later, dark clouds gathered in the sky. Thunderclouds rolled, and two colored lightning, in shades of blue and silver, churned violently.
"It's done," Xuan Kong Zi murmured from atop the Pill Tower, slightly astonished. "That kid Lu Bu truly has hidden depths. Otherwise, he couldn't have achieved such a high success rate."
Before his words faded, the thunderclouds above continued to swirl, and a faint crimson hue began to emerge.
"That kid... Did he waste Life Conceiving Dust again?" Xuan Yi's eyebrow twitched. It was unbelievable how often Lu Bu used such rare materials.
"Probably for someone important," Tian Lei Zi shrugged. "By the way, we've found the item he asked us to locate. Should we give it to him now?"
"Why not? The Seven Colored Origin Stone has limited uses anyway. What would he even do with it?" Xuan Yi muttered, frowning slightly in confusion.
"Forget it. Don't overthink it. That boy's full of secrets," Xuan Kong Zi remarked before withdrawing his attention.
Behind them, Tian Lei Zi flicked his fingers, sending a streak of light away. Not long after, a steward received the order and hurried toward the location of the thunderclouds.
Back at the estate, Xiao Yi Xian leaped into the air, her delicate figure gliding gracefully. Gray Dou Qi surged around her, forming streams that lashed out at the descending three colored lightning bolts.
"This time, the pill tribulation is mine to handle!" Xiao Yi Xian declared with a soft snort.
On the ground, Lu Bu looked up at the figure soaring through the sky like a dragon and phoenix. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Fine, have it your way. She's just broken through it's a good opportunity for her to temper herself."
"Master Alchemist, the chairman has sent this for you!"
A trembling voice called from the estate gate. A steward from the Pill Tower stood there, his voice quivering as he spoke. The three colored pill lightning was so terrifying that he didn't dare approach any closer. Still, just being in its presence and feeling its overwhelming pressure was an experience he would remember for a lifetime.
Lu Bu raised a hand, and the jade slip in the steward's grasp flew into his palm.
"The Northern Region of Central Plains?" Lu Bu murmured, his eyebrow arching in surprise. There was news of the Seven Colored Origin Stone in the Northern Region.
…
In the Northwest of the Central Plains, within the Blazing Fire Mountain Range…
"Mr. Lu Bu, the Valley Master has ordered me to personally escort you. Please don't refuse," Elder Chi Huo said respectfully as he stood on a massive fiery bird alongside Xiao Yan.
Lu Bu truly lived up to his reputation as a prodigy in alchemy. To be able to refine high grade seventh tier pills at his age his strength was extraordinary.
Reflecting on this, Elder Chi Huo's attitude grew even more deferential.
"Well, then. Thank you, Elder Chi Huo!" Xiao Yan replied, though he couldn't help feeling slightly exasperated. "First, let's head to Tianhuang City. I need to pick up my friends before heading to the Northern Region to visit the Falling Star Pavilion."
"Oh?" Elder Chi Huo looked surprised. "The Falling Star Pavilion?"
"I have a history with Venerable Feng," Xiao Yan explained briefly. It wouldn't hurt to establish some goodwill with the Blazing Fire Valley.
"I see…" Elder Chi Huo's smile deepened. This was excellent news it seemed they had tapped into a goldmine.
Meanwhile, deep within the dense forest below, a pair of blood red eyes lit up amidst the shadows.
"Ke ke ke... Two Dou Zong from the Blazing Fire Valley, along with Xiao Yan. You're all doomed!"
…
In the Northern Region of the Central Plains, near the Falling Star Pavilion, a spatial wormhole stood. Dou Zong experts knelt in reverence while Dou Zun stood at attention.
From a luxurious and massive spatial ship, a graceful figure slowly disembarked.
"So, this is the Northern Region of the Central Plains…" Xiao Xun'er murmured, her exquisite face radiating a faint excitement as she surveyed the surroundings.
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