Chapter 309: Xiao Yan: "Heh heh... If Lu Bu can go, so can I!"
Elsewhere, after leaving the Sacred Pill Mountain Range, Xiao Yan paused briefly in thought. After hesitating for a moment, he escorted Nalan Yanran back to their residence. Once she was settled, Xiao Yan left alone, heading toward the Pill Tower with a violet alchemist badge clutched in his hand.
This badge was the reserve elder token that Yao Chen had earned after winning the Pill Gathering championship long ago.
Following Lu Bu's advice, Xiao Yan deliberately searched through the Bone Spirit Ring and finally retrieved this item.
Dressed in a formal alchemist robe and with a badge bearing seven slightly dim stars marking him as a mid tier seventh grade alchemist pinned neatly to his chest, Xiao Yan adjusted his appearance. Once satisfied, he strode toward the towering black Pill Tower that pierced the clouds.
The sooner he could locate his teacher, the better.
On the wide streets of Saint Pill City, crowds bustled back and forth. Beast drawn trams, carriages, and pedestrians all moved in an orderly fashion. Out of respect for the holy land of alchemists, Saint Pill City prohibited flying or traveling through the air.
The Pill Tower had gone to great lengths to maintain order in the city, which was experiencing a massive influx of visitors. As a result, everything operated smoothly, and no incidents had occurred.
Amidst the throngs, Xiao Yan's toes lightly tapped the ground, and faint silver lightning sparked underfoot. The soft crackle of thunder accompanied his movements as his figure flitted through the crowd like a bolt of electricity.
Though he had initially scoffed at it as something Lu Bu had discarded, Xiao Yan had ultimately learned the Wind Lightning Pavilion's Three Thousand Lightning Movement. After all, who could resist mastering an earth tier movement technique?
Moreover, the scroll he had received was different from the incomplete copy Lu Bu had "acquired" in the Black Corner Region. Xiao Yan's version had been taken directly from Feng Qing'er, the top disciple of the Wind Lightning Pavilion. It was a genuine, reusable technique scroll.
Not only had Xiao Yan trained in it, but Nalan Yanran had also abandoned the Cloud Mist Sect's Fluttering Feathers Technique in favor of the Three Thousand Lightning Movement.
However, as Xiao Yan moved through the crowd, his brows furrowed slightly, and his pace slowed.
Ahead, on the left, stood two men in red and blue robes. They lingered at the edge of the street, mingling with the crowd. Both had faint smiles on their faces as they nodded at Xiao Yan in a friendly manner.
For some reason, Xiao Yan found their appearances as irritating as Lu Bu's.
Blinking, Xiao Yan hesitated before nodding back politely, then quickly turned and walked away.
"That's Xiao Yan?" the man in the blue robe murmured with a faint smile. "A mere nine star Dou Ancestor… He doesn't seem nearly as impressive as the rumors claim. The title 'Blessed by the Dou Emperor' might be up for debate."
The red robed man, Huo Xuan, chuckled. "A year ago, he was still a nine star Dou King. Can you cross an entire major realm in a single year without the benefit of a bloodline?"
Hearing this, the blue robed man, Lei Chen, stiffened slightly. Even with a fourth or fifth grade bloodline, such progress would be nearly impossible.
"Don't forget," Huo Xuan continued, "this is the same Xiao Yan who, at the Dou King level, managed to counter a Dou Venerate like Hun Yu."
"No, you've got that wrong." Lei Chen shrugged and rebutted, "Xiao Yan didn't 'counter' Hun Yu he was completely suppressed by him. His final strike only landed because Hun Yu underestimated him. Otherwise, killing him would have been effortless."
"And if it weren't for that black robed Lu Bu stepping in to save him, it wouldn't just be Xiao Yan; the entire Ancient Clan's Black Submerged Army would have been wiped out. Hmph, Lei Yun told me all about it!"
The two men from the Thunder and Flame Clans started to debate the specifics of that battle. Each stood firm in their opinion, unable to sway the other. What neither realized was that the "Xiao Yan" they discussed was, in fact, two different people.
Huo Xuan rubbed his temples in frustration. "Fine, you might have a point."
"Heh heh…" Lei Chen grinned triumphantly. He clasped his hands together, causing his knuckles to crack audibly. "Still, I find him quite intriguing. I'd love to fight him and see for myself. That 'Blessed by the Dou Emperor' title just begs to be challenged!"
"Don't get any ideas," Huo Xuan warned, shooting him a sidelong glance. "The Ancient Clan's little princess is smitten with him. She's even willing to defy the Elders' Council for his sake. If someone from the Ancient Clan picks on Xiao Yan, that's one thing. But if you make a move, she'll hunt you down."
"Poor Ancient Clan," Lei Chen chuckled, shaking his head in mock pity. "They've wasted a perfectly good ninth grade no, possibly god tier bloodline on him…"
"Enough chatter. I've got a mission to complete," Huo Xuan said, brushing off his robe and walking away.
The Flame and Thunder Clans had not traveled to Saint Pill City simply for the Pill Gathering. Recent provocations from the Medicine Clan had escalated tensions to a breaking point. The once neutral Medicine Clan had grown increasingly arrogant, especially toward clans like the Flame and Thunder Clans, whose power was on par with their own.
From insults and mockery to tampering with the quality of medicinal pills, the Medicine Clan had pushed the boundaries of decency time and time again.
Some incidents were outright scandalous: failed concoctions disguised as proper pills, crucial ingredients missing or swapped. It was utterly infuriating!
While the Flame and Thunder Clans had lodged formal protests, the Medicine Clan's disciplinary elder, Yao Wangui, dismissed their complaints with infuriating nonchalance:
"I don't know anything about this."
"I'm not aware of such matters."
"Perhaps it was just youthful mischief. Surely a clan as powerful as yours can afford to overlook such trifles."
Since being slapped by the Black Submerged King, Yao Wangui's behavior had only grown more brazen. His dismissive attitude infuriated both clans, nearly driving their Saint level elders to storm the Medicine Clan in protest.
From that point onward, the Flame and Thunder Clans became increasingly determined to reduce their reliance on the Medicine Clan. The Pill Gathering presented a golden opportunity to do just that.
"Damn that Yao Wangui!" Lei Chen growled, his teeth grinding in frustration. "If I ever reach five star Dou Saint, I swear I'll cut off his head!"
"Hmph… The Medicine Clan is becoming insufferable," Huo Xuan muttered, his own temper flaring as he strode away.
Meanwhile, inside the Pill Tower, Xiao Yan let out a small sigh of relief as he exited the meeting hall of the Three Great Chiefs.
Just as Lu Bu had said, the chiefs were close to his teacher and agreed to provide intelligence support for his search. However, their help was limited to information only; a full scale conflict with the Soul Hall was out of the question. The risks were too great, and the ramifications far reaching.
But Xiao Yan had never relied on others to rescue his teacher. He firmly believed that only his own strength could save Yao Chen.
Still, Lu Bu remained an indispensable ally especially after Xiao Yan had paid such a steep price, using the Soul Ascension Method to broker their arrangement.
"Mr. Xiao Yan, allow me to escort you out," a soft, sultry voice called from behind. Turning, Xiao Yan saw Cao Ying approaching, her radiant smile lighting up her elegant features.
"Uh… Thank you, Miss Cao Ying," Xiao Yan said cautiously, sensing the need to stay on guard around this beautiful woman.
"I hear that you and Lu Bu are close. He speaks of you often," Cao Ying said with a teasing smile.
"…He talks about me?" Xiao Yan asked, surprised.
"Of course…" Cao Ying chuckled lightly.
Of course, he hadn't. But she could easily guess. When Lu Bu first arrived in Saint Pill City, he had paraded around under Xiao Yan's name, even claiming to be "Blessed by the Dou Emperor." Shortly after, news of a self proclaimed "Pinnacle of Alchemy" genius named Lu Bu spread across the Northern Plains.
Given their mutual ties to Yao Chen, it wasn't hard to connect the dots.
It seems like you want a seamless English translation of the provided Chinese text while making the specified name replacements. Here's the translation:
These two must be quite close just the opportunity to probe for information about Lu Bu. The more she thought about that man, the more curious she became.
"This Pill Gathering won't be simple. In fact, you could say it's fraught with danger." Cao Ying took the initiative to start the conversation, a trace of seriousness appearing on her enchanting face. "According to our sources, people from the Hall of Souls will infiltrate the gathering. For participants like you and me, this could be a perilous situation..."
"Oh?" Xiao Yan's expression sharpened, his face turning serious.
"But you don't need to worry too much. We've been fighting against the Hall of Souls for so long we naturally have countermeasures." Cao Ying's previously serious face suddenly relaxed, and her usual seductive charm returned. "The Pill Gathering consists of three trials: the first is an illusion test, the second is gathering medicinal ingredients within the Pill Realm, and the third is the actual alchemy competition."
"If the Hall of Souls plans to act, it will have to be inside the Pill Realm. We've already requested Lu Bu to oversee it. With him there, they won't be able to cause much trouble..."
"Lu Bu..." Xiao Yan frowned. Why was that guy everywhere? Then he chuckled. "Seems like Miss Cao Ying and Lu Bu have quite a good relationship."
"Hmm, it's alright..." Cao Ying's eyes curved as she smiled charmingly, smoothly misleading Xiao Yan. "I often watch him refine pills. His alchemy skills are extraordinary every time, I learn something new from him. And every time, I get exactly what I want from him..."
"Oh? How is his alchemy now?" Xiao Yan's heart stirred as he asked casually, though his ears had perked up with interest.
"The last time he refined a pill was a few months ago..." Cao Ying tapped her sharp chin and giggled. "That time, he refined an eighth tier pill that triggered six colored Pill Lightning."
"S Six colors?" Xiao Yan's pupils shrank suddenly, a look of shock spreading across his face. Had Lu Bu really become that strong?
Right now, he was only at the high seventh tier level, yet Lu Bu had already refined an eighth tier pill with six colored Pill Lightning?! And that was months ago?!
How was this possible?!
"Yes... And according to my master, his strength is no weaker than the Heavenly Venerables of the Hall of Souls." Cao Ying pursed her red lips, somewhat frustrated. "I really don't understand how he cultivates. His alchemy is so strong, yet his Dou Qi cultivation is just as terrifying."
Hearing this, Xiao Yan couldn't help but feel a sense of defeat. Damn it, how the hell did that bastard Lu Bu cultivate? Did he not have anything else to do...?
Hmm?
A thought suddenly crossed Xiao Yan's mind. He remembered how Lu Bu had pushed Nalan Yanran onto him back then. While he had been more than willing at the time, in the end, he never truly enjoyed the blessings of having multiple beauties in Jia Nan Academy. Instead, Xun'er and Yanran bossed him around, cutting into his training time.
Ahem... Of course, being ordered around wasn't a problem. After all, he loved them! This was just a display of love! Even if it meant sacrificing cultivation time, he didn't mind at all!
Not in the slightest!
But... this situation actually gave him an idea. Lu Bu had tricked him, so why couldn't he trick Lu Bu in return?
Ke ke ke... If Lu Bu can scheme, why can't I?
If Lu Bu could push a woman onto him, then he could push a woman onto Lu Bu!
With this in mind, Xiao Yan's gaze toward Cao Ying softened. Miss Cao Ying, I hope you can withstand the retaliation of Queen Medusa, the Poison Lady, and those other terrifying women...
"Ahem... Miss Cao Ying, you must never get close to Lu Bu!" Xiao Yan suddenly spoke with a deep, meaningful tone. "Although Lu Bu is extremely talented, powerful, and a man of loyalty and righteousness, he has one huge flaw he's a womanizer!"
"Oh?" Cao Ying's beautiful eyes gleamed as she covered her mouth with a light giggle. "Then, what kind of women does he like?"
"Women like you, of course." Xiao Yan smirked. "But don't worry he already has quite a few female companions. Normally, he wouldn't be moved. As long as you keep your distance, you won't fall for his charms."
"And if it's not a normal situation?" Cao Ying ignored Xiao Yan's warning and went straight to the key question.
"Uh..." Xiao Yan stroked his chin. "The hardest thing to resist is a beauty's kindness. If you're good to him, he'll naturally be good to you. Lu Bu treasures his women deeply. You've heard about the girl with the Woeful Poison Body, right?"
"I... I have. Of course, I have," Cao Ying's charming face stiffened slightly as she forced a smile.
Yeah, you totally haven't, Xiao Yan thought to himself but didn't bother to point it out. Instead, he chuckled. "To cure her Woeful Poison Body, Lu Bu paid an enormous price, exchanging a method to control the poison body from my teacher."
"He even ventured into magma, walked through fire, reached the stars exhausting every effort to collect three different Heavenly Flames to suppress the poison. Later, he even waged battles, standing against the world's strongest experts just to seize the Bodhi Transformation Saliva and awaken her vitality."
"Lu Bu has truly poured his heart and soul into his women. Don't be fooled by how powerful he is now he started with nothing. Everything he has today, he built together with his female companions, step by step."
As she listened to Xiao Yan's words, Cao Ying's heart began to race. Her watery eyes flickered with emotion.
Lu Bu's flaws? Where were they? She couldn't see a single one!
"Ahem, I apologize. I shouldn't have spoken ill of someone behind their back." Xiao Yan suddenly looked as if he had just realized his mistake, lightly coughing into his fist before hurriedly apologizing. "Miss Cao Ying, please excuse me. I'll take my leave now."
"Oh... take care, Mister Xiao Yan." Cao Ying snapped back to reality and smiled faintly.
Xiao Yan slowly turned and walked away, the corners of his mouth curving into a mischievous grin.
Heh heh heh... Lu Bu, even you have days like this!
One of these days, he was going to fan the flames and push the tide even further ensuring that Lu Bu fell from his "Emperor of the Household" status to merely a lowly househusband... Ke ke ke!
Just imagining Lu Bu's future misery made Xiao Yan's grin widen. I'm a genius!
…
In the villa within the Sacred Pill Mountains, Lu Bu's brows suddenly furrowed. "Hmm? Something feels off… Feels like there's some traitor scheming against me."
Before he could react, a delicate, fair hand suddenly emerged from under the blanket, pressing him down onto the bed.
"My dear Emperor, I am the traitor..." Queen Medusa chuckled seductively, her long, soft tongue tracing along Lu Bu's lightly stubbled jawline, down to his Adam's apple, and across his well built chest.
"Hiss... Your Majesty, we shouldn't... Mmph !"
In the blink of an eye, a few days passed, and finally, the Pill Gathering began!
Dong!
A deep bell echoed through the Northern District of the Inner Region of Holy Pill City. The lively chatter of the crowd gradually quieted.
Everyone knew it was time for the three great leaders of the Pill Tower to make their entrance!
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen