Chapter 308: Medusa: Come! Follow Me Inside!
Time passed like the fluttering of a girl's summer dress in a soft breeze swift and fleeting.
In what seemed like the blink of an eye, several months had gone by. During this period, Lu Bu lived a life that could only be described as intense. The first half of each night, he dual cultivated with Her Majesty Medusa, and in the latter half, he practiced with Xiao Yi Xian. His days were spent resting and replenishing his energy, ready to repeat the cycle each night.
With Qing Lin and Yun Yun both in secluded cultivation, Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa finally unleashed their full potential, as if vying to exhaust Lu Bu completely.
However, Lu Bu's Azure Sky Dragon Transformation Technique wasn't just for show. Neither of the women succeeded in their goal!
After several months, apart from some mild lumbar strain and looking slightly haggard, Lu Bu was doing fine. His only regret was that he had yet to achieve the legendary feat of sharing the bed with both at once.
Inside the training chamber, Lu Bu sat cross legged. Purple black Dou Qi flames swirled around his body, radiating waves of energy that felt as immovable as a mountain.
"Hmm?" Suddenly, Lu Bu's brow twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes.
He spread his palm, and a dark golden dragon seal faintly lit up, flickering repeatedly.
"Why is Hei Qing contacting me now?" Lu Bu muttered, a trace of curiosity flashing across his face. His mind sank into the dragon seal.
"Lu Bu, Zi Yan left a letter and departed the clan. She said she's coming to find you," Hei Qing's voice echoed faintly from within the dragon seal.
"Zi Yan?" Lu Bu murmured to himself, puzzled. What's that little girl running around for now? And why hasn't she shown up yet?
Just as Lu Bu was lost in thought, a soft cough sounded from outside the manor.
"Ahem… Lu Bu, are you there? Could you come out for a moment?"
Hearing the voice, Lu Bu's expression darkened. It wasn't the soft, sweet voice of a little loli no, it was that rough one belonging to Xiao Yan.
"Xiao Yan? What's he doing here?" Lu Bu frowned as he vanished from the chamber in a flash.
Outside the estate, Xiao Yan stood beside Nalan Yanran, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly. If not for needing Lu Bu's help, he really wouldn't want to come here. This guy was too shifty! Thinking about their past encounters made his heart ache.
Creak~
The gates of the estate slowly opened, revealing the grand manor within.
"Come in," Lu Bu's voice rang out faintly. Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran exchanged glances before stepping inside.
However, as soon as Xiao Yan entered the main hall, he froze in place.
Lu Bu looked utterly haggard. Damn it! What did you do to Xiao Yi Xian and Yanran's teacher?!
Unforgivable!
"Wait… why are you still a One Star Dou Venerate?" Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized Lu Bu. His expression shifted into one of confusion and doubt.
"I've always been a One Star Dou Venerate," Lu Bu shrugged helplessly, sighing. "Sigh, the Dou Venerate realm is too difficult. Each step feels like climbing to the heavens. There's no way to speed up my cultivation like before."
Xiao Yan: "…"
If you weren't an Eighth Tier Alchemist, I might've believed you!
Standing to the side, Nalan Yanran pressed her lips together and remained silent. This was a conversation between men, and it was better for her to stay out of it especially since one was her fiancé and the other was her teacher's fiancé.
"So, why are you here?" Lu Bu asked, his eyes sizing up Xiao Yan. "I don't remember giving you my address. And what do you want from me?"
Looking at Xiao Yan's aura, Lu Bu could tell the guy was now a Nine Star Dou Ancestor. He had clearly refined the Bone Chilling Flame and likely relied on a Boosting Pill for assistance.
"… I'm here for the Pill Gathering," Xiao Yan muttered through gritted teeth. Of course, he did have another reason for coming to Lu Bu.
"The Pill Gathering? Has it started already?" Lu Bu's brow furrowed in surprise. He'd been so engrossed in dual cultivation lately that he had lost track of time.
That would mean… Zi Yan was already in the Pill Realm?
Lu Bu rubbed his chin. It wasn't that he didn't want to enter the Pill Realm it was just that the realm belonged to the Pill Tower and wasn't opened lightly. Outsiders couldn't enter, and the magical beasts within couldn't leave, even at Lu Bu's request.
Unable to do anything about it, Lu Bu had temporarily given up on the idea of entering the Pill Realm.
"It's not too soon…" Xiao Yan's lips twitched. How do you not know about such a big event?
"Cough… fine. Let's get to the point. Why are you looking for me?" Lu Bu cleared his throat, brushing off the topic. Dual cultivation counts as training it's not like I've been slacking!
"Do you have any leads on Heavenly Flames?" Xiao Yan asked directly. He was desperate to grow stronger, which had driven him to seek out Lu Bu.
Lu Bu shot him a sidelong glance, as though looking at an idiot. "Seriously? If I had any info on that, do you think it'd be your turn to grab it?"
"Cough…" Xiao Yan cleared his throat, trying to sound reasonable. "You don't cultivate the Flame Mantra, so your need for Heavenly Flames is limited to alchemy and combat. Unlike me, you don't need them as desperately as I do."
"Besides, while Yun Yun might be able to control flames in combat, she wouldn't be able to handle a particularly powerful Heavenly Flame, and she wouldn't care for a weaker one."
"So… I still have a chance. If necessary, I'm willing to trade."
"Uh…" Lu Bu scratched his head. The reasoning was sound. So, this wasn't just desperation it was actually a calculated move.
"Cough… let me think." Lu Bu cleared his throat, contemplating for a moment before saying, "There is one. The Heavenly Flame ranked 23rd on the list: the Xuan Huang Flame."
"There really is?!" Xiao Yan's eyes lit up with joy.
"Don't get excited just yet. What are you willing to trade for it?" Lu Bu grinned slyly, narrowing his eyes as he rubbed his hands together.
This greedy merchant… Xiao Yan cursed inwardly, but outwardly, he remained calm. "What do you want?"
"Hmm…" Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully before finally saying, "The Essence of Earthly Soul."
This particular treasure was located within the Pill Realm. But even if Lu Bu could enter, he wouldn't know where to find it.
The source material only mentioned Xiao Yan stumbling upon it right after entering. No detailed location was given, so Lu Bu's "plot radar" couldn't help him.
That left him with no choice but to rely on Xiao Yan. If anyone could find it, it'd be someone with a protagonist's halo.
Xiao Yan hesitated, then clenched his teeth. "Fine, I'll trade."
"Smart choice!" Lu Bu grinned.
"So… where's the Xuan Huang Flame?" Xiao Yan asked.
"It's with Mu Gu of the Soul Hall," Lu Bu replied casually.
"Mu Gu ?" Xiao Yan froze, his expression turning stiff.
"That bastard already has a master? And it's in the hands of a Three Star Dou Venerate?!" Xiao Yan roared in anger. You swindler!
"Hmph, the Sea Heart Flame was also someone else's possession, wasn't it? It even belonged to your senior brother. And yet, it still ended up in your hands," Lu Bu sneered before adding teasingly, "Now it's the Xuan Huang Flame's turn, and it happens to belong to your martial uncle. Heh heh… Keep it up, Xiao Yan. Maybe one day, you'll wipe out your teacher's entire lineage!"
Xiao Yan's face darkened. He opened his mouth but found himself unable to refute Lu Bu's words.
"Now that's all I have to say. Farewell!" Xiao Yan, still scowling, turned as if he no longer wanted to exchange another word with Lu Bu.
"Wait a moment!" Lu Bu raised his hand and flicked his finger. The bottle containing the Sky Demon Phoenix essence blood shot through the air toward Xiao Yan. "Since you're already here, take this with you."
Xiao Yan's eyes lit up as he quickly took out another jade bottle and secured the essence blood. This was a vital treasure that could help his teacher recover his physical body.
"Thank you!" Xiao Yan cupped his hands in gratitude. While Lu Bu had a knack for exploiting others, he was undeniably trustworthy. If only his deals didn't come with so many hidden traps, things would be perfect.
After thanking him, Xiao Yan turned around to leave with Nalan Yanran.
"Wait, there's one more thing!" Lu Bu suddenly spoke again.
Xiao Yan stopped, his back stiffening slightly, before turning his head back.
"Your teacher has good connections with the Pill Tower's upper ranks. If you want to locate him, you can leverage the Pill Tower's intelligence network. Those three great chiefs will be more than happy to assist you," Lu Bu suggested.
Xiao Yan's face lit up with joy. If the Pill Tower, a force capable of standing toe to toe with the Soul Hall, lent their aid, rescuing his teacher would become much simpler.
"Thank you!" Xiao Yan expressed his gratitude once again before taking Nalan Yanran and leaving.
Watching Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran disappear into the distance, Lu Bu stretched lazily. "Time to go back and get some rest er, I mean, continue cultivating. I have dual cultivation sessions tonight, after all."
Just as he was about to return indoors, a voice resonated across the estate, accompanied by a faint ripple of soul power.
"Is Lu Bu here?"
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. Xuan Kong Zi? He couldn't help but mutter to himself. Lots of visitors today, huh?
With a thought, his soul power surged outward, enveloping the estate and blocking the intruding voice.
"Elder, please come in," Lu Bu said.
As soon as his voice fell, the air in front of him rippled slightly like the surface of water, and Xuan Kong Zi, accompanied by Cao Ying, stepped out of the distorted space.
"Greetings, Elder. Miss Cao Ying, long time no see," Lu Bu immediately rose to his feet, cupping his hands respectfully.
"Ha ha… Lu Bu, long time no see. But…" Cao Ying greeted him warmly, her magnetic, sultry voice brimming with enthusiasm. However, as she looked closer, she hesitated mid sentence. "You, uh… you don't look so great."
Her words were filled with concern, yet her tone carried a hint of teasing.
"Cough, cough… I've just been deeply engrossed in cultivation recently. It's kept me very, uh, busy," Lu Bu coughed lightly, hurriedly changing the subject. "May I ask what brings you two here?"
"Yes, we do have something to discuss with you," Xuan Kong Zi said, his tone unusually serious.
"Please, have a seat and speak freely," Lu Bu invited them to sit, sensing the gravity of the situation. What could possibly make the leader of the Outer Pill Tower seem so heavy hearted?
"The Pill Gathering is about to begin. You're aware of this, I assume," Xuan Kong Zi began.
"I've heard about it," Lu Bu replied with a nod, conveniently omitting the part where he had only recently been informed.
"We've received word that the Soul Hall's rats are planning to cause trouble at the Pill Gathering," Xuan Kong Zi continued grimly.
"Oh?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. They've lost the Three Thousand Burning Flames, and Mu Gu is still licking his wounds. They're still coming?
"Several branch towers across Central Plains have already been attacked by the Soul Hall. These pests are precise with their strikes not causing severe damage, but enough to force us to divert our forces for defense," Xuan Kong Zi explained.
"As a result, Saint Pill City's core strength has been significantly weakened."
"Why haven't you retaliated?" Lu Bu asked curiously. While the Pill Tower was a faction of alchemists, these proud figures weren't exactly known for their good tempers.
"We can't afford to," Xuan Kong Zi sighed. "The Pill Gathering has already drawn away considerable resources. Launching a counteroffensive against the Soul Hall would effectively stretch us too thin, forcing us to fight on three fronts."
Xuan Kong Zi's frustration was palpable. Between maintaining order during the Pill Gathering and defending against the Soul Hall's assaults, the Pill Tower was spread dangerously thin.
"So, why come to me?" Lu Bu frowned, genuinely puzzled. I understand your plight, but what does this have to do with me?
"The Pill Tower won't just sit back and do nothing," Xuan Kong Zi said firmly. "I'm here because we need outside help to deal with the Soul Hall."
"Uh… but I'm just a One Star Dou Venerate. My strength is fragile at best. I can't possibly take on the Soul Hall," Lu Bu said, waving his hands dismissively.
"Heh, a One Star Dou Venerate?" Xuan Kong Zi gave him a scrutinizing look, his brow arching slightly. "I doubt even the Soul Hall's Heaven Sovereigns would be your match."
Hearing this, Cao Ying's beautiful eyes lit up, and she bit her red lips lightly. Her gaze lingered on Lu Bu with intrigue. Could he really be that powerful?
Damn, I forgot Xuan Kong Zi has a Heavenly level soul… Lu Bu's lips twitched. "Elder, what exactly do you need me to do?"
"Don't worry. You won't be fighting," Xuan Kong Zi reassured him. "I want you to oversee the Pill Realm. I'm concerned the Soul Hall's scum will target Ying'er, Dan Chen, and the other participants."
"The Soul Hall never plays fair. Such despicable tactics are well within their playbook!"
"… I see," Lu Bu rubbed his chin. Well, this works out. I've been looking for an excuse to get into the Pill Realm anyway. With this, I can even fetch Zi Yan legitimately. If she happens to take a few things while inside… not my problem!
"You're not unwilling, are you?" Xuan Kong Zi asked, noticing Lu Bu's silence.
"Of course not! How could I refuse your request, Elder?" Lu Bu immediately straightened up, his expression serious.
"Thank you!" Xuan Kong Zi's tone carried genuine gratitude. Many Pill Tower elders had refused to help, preferring to hide behind closed doors. Lu Bu was the first to agree without hesitation.
"There's no need for thanks," Lu Bu said solemnly. "Rest assured, with me there, the Soul Hall's scum won't cause any trouble in the Pill Realm!"
"Then, I owe you my gratitude as well, Mr. Lu," Cao Ying said softly, her magnetic voice tinged with warmth. She offered a slight bow, her radiant smile captivating.
Lu Bu's gaze inadvertently fell on her necklace… or rather, her neckline. Ah, very elegant… very white… uh, very nice!
Cough. Lu Bu cleared his throat, forcing his thoughts back on track.
"Since that's settled, we'll take our leave," Xuan Kong Zi said, not wanting to intrude on the subtle glances exchanged between the two.
"I'll walk you out!" Lu Bu snapped back to attention, quickly rising from his seat.
"No need. Sit down. We'll see ourselves out," Xuan Kong Zi insisted.
"Really, it's no trouble at all. Besides, I'll be entering secluded cultivation shortly. Just let me know when and how to proceed with the Pill Gathering," Lu Bu replied earnestly.
"… Very well. Ying'er, let's go." Xuan Kong Zi sighed softly, glancing briefly at Cao Ying before leading the way.
As the two departed, Lu Bu stood at the entrance, waving them off.
"So… did you like the necklace?" A voice drifted over from behind him, soft and icy.
"Nice what necklace?" Lu Bu froze mid sentence, suddenly feeling a chill down his spine.
Turning around slowly, he saw Medusa standing there, arms crossed, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her long, slender eyes glinted coldly.
"Come! Follow me inside!" Medusa commanded, grabbing Lu Bu in a firm grip.
"W wait, it's daytime!"
"Hmph. Stop talking!"
(End of Chapter)
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