Chapter 332: "It's Not What You Think, Let Me Explain!"
"Hmph!" ×2
Two cold, faint snorts suddenly echoed in Lu Bu's ears and heart.
Although Lu Bu had only glanced at the two snake women briefly, Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa knew him far too well intimately, even. They could immediately sense that Lu Bu's interest in these two snake women far exceeded his reaction to people like Cao Ying or Xuan Yi.
Something was definitely off!
"What's wrong? Do you just love snake demons and snake spirits that much?" Medusa's extremely displeased voice rang in Lu Bu's mind. It seemed that while she was in seclusion, Lu Bu had been misbehaving. It was time for another round of dual cultivation.
One session every day!
Medusa's thoughts grew increasingly dangerous as she silently planned her revenge.
But aren't you a snake spirit yourself… Lu Bu muttered to himself, coughing lightly and hurriedly transmitting a message in response: "Cough… It's not what you think. Let me explain!"
"Don't you remember? Qing Lin's Triple Jade Green Snake Flower Pupils can control snake type magical beasts and even absorb their Dou Qi to strengthen herself. Just look at these two Nine Nether Earth Pythons they're the perfect size and length for her abilities, aren't they?"
Hearing Lu Bu's explanation, both women relaxed, their icy gazes and sharp hostility softening slightly.
Although Qing Lin's cultivation had been progressing quickly, she was still far behind them in strength. And with Zi Yan destined to surpass her after obtaining the Dragon and Phoenix Origin Fruit, Qing Lin's self esteem was bound to take a hit. If helping her gain strength meant absorbing the Dou Qi of these two snakes, it wasn't a bad idea.
"Hmph! If you dare find me another 'sister,' I'll cut you to pieces!" Medusa's voice, dripping with threat, resounded in Lu Bu's heart. Five "sisters" were already more than enough she absolutely wouldn't allow the number to increase.
"Of course!" Lu Bu straightened his face and solemnly responded, "In this world, I only love the five of you! Everyone else is just trash, not even worth a strand of your hair!"
His girlfriend from his previous life wasn't in this world, so she didn't count!
"Hmph… Fine, that's more like it!" ×2
"Yao Zi and Yao Rong?"
While Lu Bu was busy appeasing Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa, the Evil Blossom Lord of the Sky Serpent Sect suddenly froze, his expression shifting as he muttered under his breath.
These two were twin sisters, appearing as a mix between youthful maidens and mature women. Though they looked young, they were, in truth, old monsters genuine beasts.
Both sisters were Five Star Dou Zuns, infamous across Central Plains for their ruthlessness. When fighting together, their combined power rivaled that of a Six Star Dou Zun. What's more, they were Nine Nether Earth Pythons.
Although this skeletal mountain range wasn't their territory, it was not far from the domain of the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan. If these two signaled for reinforcements, their clan's forces could arrive in full strength, making survival here impossible.
"Heh… so you're just garbage from the Sky Serpent Sect," the elder sister, Yao Zi, said coldly. Her demeanor was poised and mature, with a faint air of mockery.
The Sky Serpent Sect's cultivation methods were wicked and bloodthirsty, targeting not only humans but even magical beasts. With its numerous clans and affiliations, the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan had clashed with the Sky Serpent Sect countless times, their animosity nearly unresolvable.
"Giggle… Was it you who discovered this pill room?" The younger sister, Yao Rong, covered her mouth and chuckled, though her eyes glinted with icy hostility.
The enmity between them and the Sky Serpent Sect ran deep, though Yao Rong's hesitation to act was likely due to the Evil Blossom Lord's strength.
"Hehe… Not at all," the Evil Blossom Lord replied, feigning politeness as he raised his folding fan to gesture at Lu Bu's group. "They found this place first. I'm not interested in the pills; I only want the scrolls in their possession."
"Why don't we join forces? You can take the pills, I'll take the scrolls, and as for their belongings…" He smirked, his fan pointing at Xiao Yi Xian. "I want the woman. What do you think?"
His casual tone divided Lu Bu's group into spoils, as if their opinions didn't matter in the slightest.
The Evil Blossom Lord's confidence stemmed from the fact that while Lu Bu had some strength and Xiao Yi Xian was a Five Star Dou Zun, neither seemed exceptional. In his eyes, they were no threat.
Hearing his words, Xiao Yi Xian was pulled out of her momentary distraction from Lu Bu's earlier explanation. Her eyes turned cold, her white hair rising with an unseen wind as an overwhelming killing intent burst forth.
"Hehe… the Sky Serpent Sect…" Lu Bu chuckled lightly, his gaze growing deep and contemplative. Interesting. Where does this man's confidence come from?
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The sound of rushing wind suddenly filled the air as Xiao Yan and Feng Zun Zhe arrived with the five remaining Starfall Pavilion members.
Before they landed, they overheard the Evil Blossom Lord's words. Xiao Yan and Feng Zun Zhe exchanged odd glances, their expressions slightly incredulous.
"Interesting… What a clown," Xiao Yan muttered, a smirk creeping onto his face as he deliberately blocked the exits with his position, ensuring no one could escape.
Feng Zun Zhe did the same, laughing loudly as he worked with Xiao Yan to seal off the room.
The Evil Blossom Lord and his group, as well as the Nine Nether Earth Python sisters, noticed the newcomers but quickly dismissed them after assessing their strength. The strongest among them was Feng Zun Zhe, a mere Four Star Dou Zun. The rest were unworthy of concern.
"Hehe… I'm not interested in them," Yao Zi said, smiling as she covered her mouth. Their petty conflicts had nothing to do with her. In fact, it would be ideal if the two groups fought themselves to exhaustion. Once the dust settled, she could sweep in and reap the spoils.
"However… I'll be taking the pills in this room. Anyone who objects can try their luck against the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan," Yao Zi declared, her tone cold and commanding as her sharp eyes swept over the room.
"Tch… Just a stupid, legless, hornless oversized worm that likes to yap," Zi Yan sneered, her expression filled with disdain.
She didn't care for these so called Nine Nether Earth Python bloodlines. Even if an Ancient Heavenly Serpent appeared before her, she wouldn't flinch.
However, her expression faltered slightly as she glanced sheepishly at Lu Bu, scratching her head in embarrassment. Oops… Medusa is also a legless, hornless big snake…
"Giggle… What an insolent little brat," Yao Rong said, her tone light, though her killing intent surged visibly.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, noting that although Yao Rong's words were laced with hostility, she showed no intention of acting. It seemed she wanted the Sky Serpent Sect to make the first move.
"Haha… Well, since our friends from the Nine Nether Earth Python Clan aren't interested in intervening, allow me to handle it!" The Evil Blossom Lord sighed, shaking his folding fan as he spoke.
"Chen Xian, deal with the little girl. Sect Master Chen, handle the boy. I find his face particularly annoying peel it off if you can."
"Oh, and be cautious. That boy has the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Wings. He's fast."
As his words fell, the Evil Blossom Lord's figure flickered, his shadowy form surging toward Xiao Yi Xian like a ghost, his immense Dou Qi unleashing an overwhelming, oppressive force.
Boom!
A sudden gust of wind exploded, howling like a low cry.
"Haha… Woman, you're quite something! Following that brat won't get you anywhere. Come with me instead!" The Evil Blossom Lord let out a sinister laugh, raising his hand to slap at Xiao Yi Xian's veil.
Elsewhere, Chen Xian snapped his steel fan shut, swinging it viciously at Zi Yan's head. The sharp sound of air being split echoed sharply, the strength behind the swing enough to send shivers down one's spine.
This attack alone was sufficient to smash the skull of any Dou Zong at the same level!
"Hehe!" Chen Xian grinned darkly, showing no hesitation about killing even when his target was a young girl. He felt no pressure or guilt whatsoever.
At the same time, Chen Tian Nan's calm eyes narrowed as his figure vanished. "Boy, I've heard you're fast. Haha… Let me see just how fast you are!"
In an instant, killing intent surged. The expansive pill chamber was filled with dense Dou Qi, and the atmosphere grew chillingly sinister.
Tap!
Facing the Evil Blossom Lord, who was charging toward her, Xiao Yi Xian's gaze turned icy. Her jade like foot lightly stepped forward, and the crisp sound of her step echoed faintly.
In the next moment, a golden light flashed, and her figure disappeared like a bolt of lightning!
"What?! Such speed?"
The Evil Blossom Lord's expression changed drastically. Wasn't this woman supposed to cultivate poison based Dou Qi? How could she possess such terrifying speed?
Even with his own Wind attributed Dou Qi as a Six Star Dou Zun, he couldn't move this fast!
"This… this is Phoenix Dance Steps!?" Yao Zi's face suddenly changed, and she cried out in shock.
Phoenix Dance Steps were the unique and secretive movement technique of the Heaven Demon Phoenix clan. How could this woman know it?
"Phoenix Dance Steps? Impossible!" Yao Rong gasped. "Could this woman be from the Heaven Demon Phoenix clan?"
As she spoke, Yao Rong's gaze turned cold. Although the Nine Nether Earth Python clan was vast, their innate talent was far inferior to the Heaven Demon Phoenix.
With conflicts over territory, affiliated forces, and disputes over which race deserved the title of the strongest magical beast, the two clans had long standing enmity. Their battles were not only fierce but also frequent, with cases of mutual predation occurring often.
"No… wait," Yao Zi said as her beautiful eyes flickered. "Just now, that Sky Serpent Sect trash mentioned that the pretty boy has Heaven Demon Phoenix Wings!"
"Huh?" Yao Rong was taken aback but then smirked playfully, her enchanting face revealing amusement. "Could it be that they killed a Heaven Demon Phoenix?"
"Hahaha… That's impossible. Who would dare to kill a Heaven Demon Phoenix in the Beast Region?"
Yao Rong was amused by her own absurd thought, bursting into laughter. "Unless those three are from the Void Ancient Dragon clan, then maybe it'd be possible."
Yao Zi chuckled lightly but said nothing. The Void Ancient Dragon clan? Apart from Hei Qing, that species had long since vanished from the Dou Qi continent, hadn't it?
Whoosh!
Before the spectators could fully process the situation, a sinister wind surged from behind, aiming directly for the vital point at the Evil Blossom Lord's back.
Behind him, Xiao Yi Xian's fair palm glowed with a mix of gray and yellow fog, her cold gaze fixed as she struck at his heart.
"Tch… So what if you're fast?" The Evil Blossom Lord relaxed slightly, smirking as he assessed her attack. The palm strike carried no weight, its Dou Qi barely perceptible. Even a One Star Dou Zun could have blocked this.
His lips curled in disdain, and wind energy coiled around his feet as he spun abruptly, slapping his own palm toward hers.
Suddenly, gentle breezes sharpened into razor like steel blades under the force of his Dou Qi. A piercing sound tore through the air, aimed straight at Xiao Yi Xian's outstretched hand.
"Hehe… Alright, I'll play with you for a bit!" the Evil Blossom Lord sneered, thinking it was unnecessary to end things too quickly.
Not far away, the twin Nine Nether Earth Pythons exchanged glances, their elegant brows furrowing.
"This woman… actually excels in poisonous Dou Qi?" Yao Zi's voice carried a faint trace of doubt.
"There's something familiar about this poison, yet… it's unfamiliar," Yao Rong murmured, her brows knitting in confusion.
Outside the room, Xiao Yan stood on high alert, his attention fixed on the confrontation. He was curious to see the full extent of Xiao Yi Xian's strength. I can't beat Lu Bu, but surely I can hold my own against one of his women, right?
Boom!
Under everyone's watchful eyes, the two attacks collided fiercely!
A muffled explosion echoed as waves of energy spread outward. Xiao Yi Xian's delicate figure floated backward gracefully like a leaf in the wind, dissipating the force of the attack with a few gentle sways.
Dust rose in the air as she landed lightly on the ground, unharmed.
"Hehe… My dear lady, are you reluctant to hurt me? Why hold back so much?" The Evil Blossom Lord laughed, his teasing grin growing more pronounced.
"Idiot," Xiao Yi Xian's melodious yet cold voice rang out as a hint of mockery flashed in her eyes.
"Seems like you need some education from me!" The Evil Blossom Lord unfurled his fan with a loud snap, taking a step forward to attack again.
But before he could act, a sharp pain erupted in his chest. His Dou Qi wavered, and a bone chilling cold spread rapidly through his body, accompanied by a numbing weakness.
Thud!
His legs gave out beneath him, and he collapsed to his knees. A faint bluish hue spread across his face as fear consumed him.
"You… what did you do to me?!" the Evil Blossom Lord cried out, his voice trembling with terror.
"Is this… the Imperial Python Corrosive Heart Poison?!" Yao Rong and Yao Zi both gasped in unison, their faces pale with shock.
"No… it's not the Imperial Python Corrosive Heart Poison," Yao Rong muttered, scrutinizing him closely. "That poison doesn't have such devastating potency…"
"No, it is the Imperial Python Corrosive Heart Poison!" Yao Zi rebutted, her brows furrowing deeply. "It disrupts Dou Qi and blood flow, but its primary effect corroding the heart isn't usually this pronounced."
"This woman's poison is an enhanced version… Damn it, how is that even possible?"
Yao Zi's expression darkened. The Imperial Python Corrosive Heart Poison was already the most potent venom of the Nine Nether Earth Python clan, supposedly beyond improvement. Yet this woman had produced a version far superior.
"She really is the Heavenly Poison Lady…" Xiao Yan muttered, cold sweat forming on his back. In just one move, a Six Star Dou Zun was rendered completely helpless. Xiao Yi Xian's methods were as terrifying as ever.
Beating the Heavenly Poison Lady? Impossible. Medusa? …Also impossible!
Xiao Yan grimaced, recalling how Medusa had single handedly held off the Star Plucking Elder, a peak Five Star Dou Zun, with overwhelming Dou Qi. That memory still left him awestruck.
"If I can't beat the Heavenly Poison Lady or Medusa, surely I can manage against Zi Yan, right…?" Xiao Yan murmured to himself.
Boom!
Before he could finish, a deafening explosion rang out, and a figure flew past him, rolling across the ground before crashing into a jade shelf filled with pills.
Splurt!
Blood splattered everywhere as Chen Xian's abdomen was pierced by a sharp jade shard, fresh blood gushing out.
"Okay… Maybe it's best not to provoke the brute force queen either…"
Xiao Yan wiped the sweat from his brow. Although Chen Xian was a weakling, he was still a six to seven star Dou Zong, far stronger than Zi Yan. Yet here he was, battered and bleeding.
"No problem… There's always Yun Yun. I can definitely beat her!" Xiao Yan took a deep breath, clenching his fist with a determined expression, convinced he'd finally chosen the weakest target.
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