Chapter 356: The Ancient Spirit Visits, A Rite of Passage for the Gu Clan!
In the boundless world of thunder and lightning, bolts of lightning roared like colossal dragons, their deafening reverberations echoing across the infinite void.
At the edge of the lightning sea, a region shrouded in dark clouds and streaked with colorful lightning lay in chaos.
Bolts of lightning in hues of red, blue, and gold struck mercilessly, some as thick as an arm, others as wide as a human waist. Each crackling arc resembled a raging python as it struck Lu Bu's crown, tempering his entire being.
Not far from Lu Bu, twelve Heavenfiend Puppets stood in a line, enduring the same baptism of lightning as their master.
During the previous battle at the volcanic altar, Lu Bu's six star Dou Zun level Heavenfiend Puppet had been completely destroyed by Xia Ao from the Western Dragon Island. Additionally, one of the two four star Dou Zun puppets, which Medusa had used as a shield, was severely damaged, bordering on uselessness.
Of course, these setbacks were only temporary. Streaks of golden light began to pulse within the puppets, greedily absorbing the immense power of the thunderbolts raining down from the lightning sea. Under the immense energy, the damaged Heavenfiend Puppets slowly regenerated, their bodies gradually returning to their former iron like durability.
Meanwhile, the undamaged silver Earthfiend Puppets underwent a transformation. As the lightning baptized their forms, specks of golden light gradually spread across their bodies until the entirety of their surfaces gleamed brilliantly with dazzling golden light.
High above, Zhu Gang observed Lu Bu as he bathed in the lightning, nodding slightly in approval. Though Lu Bu's cultivation level was average compared to the Taixu Ancient Dragons, his rate of progress was truly terrifying. At barely twenty years old, Lu Bu had already reached the pinnacle of the nine star Dou Zun, coupled with the unparalleled mastery of an eight rank alchemist.
For the Taixu Ancient Dragons, who had exceptionally long lifespans, twenty years was merely the span of a nap. And within that single "nap," this human had ascended from a fledgling state to the brink of a Dou Sheng. It was truly frightening to think about.
Even compared to the younger dragons of the Taixu Clan who had just entered maturity, Lu Bu's strength was unparalleled.
Leaving aside his cultivation speed, the raw combat prowess that the Taixu Ancient Dragons prided themselves on paled in comparison. This young man had held his ground against Xia Ao, a Dou Zun peak level fighter, despite being only a five star Dou Zun at the time.
Even the so called prodigies among the high ranking bloodlines of the ancient clans likely couldn't achieve such a feat!
"Perhaps this boy doesn't even need the Dragon Emperor to achieve greatness… No, I should say, it's because of him that the Dragon Emperor has grown so quickly!" Zhu Gang mused as he reviewed everything he had learned about Lu Bu, feeling an overwhelming sense of awe. The more he thought about it, the more terrifying Lu Bu seemed.
Boom!
Suddenly, a deafening explosion reverberated, but this time, it was unlike the endless rumble of thunder that typically echoed in the void. This sound was like a raging storm at sea, fierce and unrelenting.
At the same time, an immense aura surged forth. Lu Bu threw back his head and let out a resounding roar as his energy rapidly climbed, reaching its peak in mere moments.
"A one star Dou Sheng?" Zhu Gang's brow furrowed, his face betraying his surprise. Lu Bu had said that his purpose in coming to the void lightning pool was to temper the sudden surge of his energy a sensible precaution. An uncontrolled surge of Dou Qi could easily result in instability, making it difficult to manage effectively.
But how had this boy grown even stronger in the process?
Zhu Gang's mouth twitched slightly. Wasn't this supposed to be tempering? How had it turned into an ascension? Could this boy have gone mad from cultivation?
On the other side, Lu Bu slowly withdrew his energy. His overwhelming one star Dou Sheng aura receded into his body, leaving him calm and steady. A faint black light flickered in his eyes before retreating into the depths of his soul.
"Not bad…" Lu Bu stretched lazily, a smile of satisfaction spreading across his face. He already loved this place. The Devouring Ancient Symbol thrived here.
If he could one day devour this entire sea of lightning, how powerful could he become?
As he gazed out over the boundless expanse of lightning and thunder, a bold idea took root in his heart.
"Lu Bu, are you… No, never mind," Zhu Gang said as he flashed over to Lu Bu's side. He had initially wanted to check if Lu Bu was showing signs of cultivation deviation, but upon arrival, he found Lu Bu's aura balanced, stable, and sharp as a blade. There wasn't the faintest hint of instability.
"Senior, how long have I been cultivating?" Lu Bu asked.
"I don't know…" Zhu Gang shrugged. "In the void space, it's impossible to track time. Perhaps a month or two?"
"I see…" Lu Bu nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, let's return to the Dragon Island."
His gains from this trip were substantial, but it was time to return.
"Very well. Let's go!" Zhu Gang waved his sleeve, his figure transforming into a thousand foot long majestic dragon, carrying Lu Bu as they vanished into the void.
Eastern Dragon Island
As soon as Lu Bu landed, the Third Elder Zhu Li approached to greet him. "Ahem… Lu Bu, Qing Lin has exited her seclusion from the Dragon Tomb. She's currently at the Dragon Emperor's estate."
"Oh?" Lu Bu nodded, though his gaze turned quizzical as he examined Zhu Li. "Third Elder, what happened to you?"
Zhu Li's face was swollen and bruised, his eyes deeply blackened, and his wrinkled cheeks were puffy, giving his face a strange elasticity. It almost seemed as if he had regained his youthful skin if one could overlook the bloodied tissues visible beneath.
"Ha… I fell. Don't worry about the details!" Zhu Li waved dismissively, though his swollen face betrayed a tinge of embarrassment. How he managed to maintain such an expression in his current state was anyone's guess.
"Hahaha… So, this is Lu Bu?" At that moment, a voice both melodious and magnetic echoed through the air. Space rippled as a voluptuous, middle aged woman appeared, her figure strikingly curvaceous.
The trademark entrance of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan!
Beside Lu Bu, Zhu Gang's expression shifted dramatically. He subtly shuffled backward, positioning himself behind Lu Bu in an effort to remain inconspicuous.
"Ahem… Lu Bu, this is Zhu Xuan, another elder who recently returned from seclusion in the void. She's a formidable three star Dou Sheng," Zhu Li explained with a light cough.
"Oh, I see…" Lu Bu nodded in realization before cupping his hands in greeting. "It's an honor to meet you, Elder Zhu Xuan."
"Hahaha! No need for such formality, young man," Zhu Xuan said with a wave of her hand. "I've heard from Zhu Tao that you not only brought back the Dragon Emperor but also found the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit for her."
"These feats are monumental, crucial to the survival of our clan. You're a great benefactor to the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. If anyone dares show you disrespect, just slap them. If you can't handle it, come find me, and I'll slap them for you!"
"Haha… Elder, you flatter me. It was simply my duty," Lu Bu said, wiping sweat from his brow. Why does this elder sound like a bandit?
"Excellent, excellent. Not arrogant or complacent." Zhu Xuan patted Lu Bu's shoulder approvingly. Then she turned, her gaze locking onto Zhu Gang. "Zhu Gang! It's been a while. Come, your elder sister has something to discuss with you!"
Lu Bu: "???" That was a fast topic change!
Behind him, Zhu Gang stiffened, an awkward smile plastered on his face. "Haha… Elder Sister Zhu Xuan, long time no see…"
"Enough chatter! Follow me!" Zhu Xuan's grin widened as she reached out. With a flash of silver light, both she and Zhu Gang vanished in an instant.
So strong… Lu Bu marveled inwardly.
"Hehehe… Finally, someone else's turn!" Zhu Li's voice chimed in from beside him, brimming with schadenfreude.
"Huh?"
"Cough, cough... Nothing important!" Zhu Li's expression turned serious as he spoke:
"Lu Bu, I've already escorted Qing Lin to the Dragon Emperor's estate. That area is the Dragon Emperor's private domain, and without her explicit permission, this old man cannot enter. You'll need to head over yourself."
"Oh, understood, Senior. I'll take my leave now!" Lu Bu cupped his hands respectfully and then, with a flash, dashed toward the rear mountain.
"Hehehe..." Zhu Li's laughter, laced with schadenfreude, echoed behind him, barely suppressed.
Within the estate, on a wide open training ground, Qing Lin and Yun Yun were sparring fiercely. Roaring gusts of wind and piercing cold clashed against each other, leaving deep, bottomless cracks in the ground.
Boom!
Both struck simultaneously and were sent flying backward.
"You little brat, how has your cultivation progressed so fast?" Yun Yun asked in astonishment, her beautiful eyes wide. "You were only at the seven star Dou Zong stage before entering the Dragon Tomb, and now you've already reached one star Dou Zun?"
"Hehe... Sister, aren't you a two star Dou Zun now? That's a whole star higher than me!" Qing Lin put her hands on her hips proudly and giggled. "I didn't really do much. I just unsealed seven of the Nine Headed Heaven Serpent's heads. Hahaha!"
Yun Yun rolled her eyes. The smug look on Qing Lin's face had a striking resemblance to Lu Bu's cheeky expressions.
Whoosh!
A figure flashed into view behind Yun Yun. Before she could react, she was gently embraced.
"Ah!" Yun Yun's body stiffened, but the familiar scent of the man filled her nose, instantly melting her tension. "You... You jerk! Can't you announce yourself first?"
Yun Yun pinched Lu Bu's hand in mock anger, pouting.
"Hehe... Yun Yun, looks like you've made some excellent progress this time!" Lu Bu held her hand and chuckled softly.
After Lu Bu's Three Thousand Lightning Phantom Body dissipated during the volcanic battle, Yun Yun had been left to fend for herself. Exhausted of all her pills and strength, she fought desperately until she collapsed from exertion. However, the extreme circumstances proved beneficial, breaking her limits and boosting her strength. With the power of her bloodline, she had jumped from the peak of Dou Zong to two star Dou Zun a massive leap.
"Master, what about me? Don't forget about me!" Qing Lin jumped in front of Lu Bu with a dissatisfied pout. Why was Yun Yun the only one to get a hug?
"Haha... You've done amazing too, my little one!" Lu Bu laughed and pulled her close, effortlessly wrapping his arms around both beauties.
"Hmph..." Yun Yun snorted lightly and gave Lu Bu a sharp pinch on his back. After knowing him for so long, she could easily guess what he was thinking with just a single move.
Qing Lin, oblivious, seemed perfectly content. Back in the Jia Ma Empire, she'd often bathe with Yun Yun, Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and Zi Yan. Being hugged together now didn't feel the least bit strange to her.
Hehe... Qing Lin really is the best, Lu Bu thought, his brow arching with amusement. If it were Medusa, she would've shot him a sharp glare, dragged him to a room, and then... well, he'd wake up utterly drained.
Boom!
Just then, two powerful auras surged into the sky from within the estate. A rainbow colored light and a gray mist intertwined and soared upward, forming two towering beams that pierced the heavens.
"They've broken through as well?" Yun Yun exclaimed, though on second thought, it seemed reasonable. Medusa was a Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, and Xiao Yi Xian possessed the Innate Poison Body both carried extraordinary potential.
"Xiao Yi Xian has reached the peak of seven star Dou Zun, while Medusa is also at seven star Dou Zun, though slightly behind her," Lu Bu noted after sensing their progress. Both had advanced by two stars not a bad improvement.
Whoosh!
Two figures flashed through the sky, landing in the estate. Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa had arrived.
However, as soon as they caught sight of Lu Bu holding both Yun Yun and Qing Lin in his arms, their bodies froze, their lips parted slightly, and a faint blush crept across their faces.
The words spoken at the volcanic altar still echoed in their minds. Remembering them made their whole bodies flush, leaving them speechless.
Seeing their reactions, Lu Bu grinned mischievously, a glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
Not wanting to linger, he greeted Zhu Li and the others before preparing to return to the Pill Tower in the Pill Domain.
Zhu Tao was too busy to see him off, but Elder Zhu Xuan and Third Elder Zhu Li were enthusiastic. They arranged for Hei Qing to escort Lu Bu and his group back, even gifting him two spatial jade slips one for communication and the other to open a direct spatial channel. Of course, these gifts came from Elder Zhu Xuan.
As for Zhu Gang? No one knew where he had disappeared to. Hopefully, he was okay…
Hei Qing bowed respectfully to the elders, then tore open a spatial rift with his bare hands. He constructed a spatial channel and led Lu Bu and his group through it, disappearing into the void.
Outside Holy Pill City
In the sky above, a dark spatial rift slowly opened. Several powerful auras immediately swept toward the newcomers.
"Hmph..." Hei Qing rolled his eyes and snorted disdainfully, releasing his own aura in response. His energy clashed head on with the probing auras, refusing to back down.
Boom!
A muffled collision sounded. Hei Qing withdrew, clicking his tongue. While the Pill Tower lacked the overall might of the Eastern Dragon Island, it clearly had enough strength to suppress an eight star Dou Zun like him.
Lu Bu smiled wryly, waved his hand in farewell, and led his four companions toward his estate.
"This young man is truly remarkable…"
"Indeed. With the Gu Clan behind him and now the Taixu Ancient Dragons…"
"We mustn't make an enemy of him. Fortunately, he's already at odds with the Hall of Souls!"
"His ties with Yao Chen, Xuan Kong, and the others are strong. We need not worry."
In the void, a few spiritual presences exchanged thoughts briefly before fading into silence.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu, holding Xiao Yi Xian's hand, strolled leisurely behind the group.
Yun Yun rolled her eyes. With her advanced soul perception, she could easily tell what Lu Bu was up to. She grabbed the curious Qing Lin's hand and quickened their pace, pulling her ahead.
Qing Lin, too, had exceptional spiritual perception. She noticed Lu Bu's small movements and grew intrigued, wanting to see what he'd do next. However, before she could watch any longer, Yun Yun dragged her into the estate ahead of everyone else.
Hehe... Lu Bu chuckled, slipping his left hand around Medusa's waist.
"Scoundrel! What are you doing?" Medusa's body trembled as she pushed against him, her voice sharp with alarm.
Xiao Yi Xian reacted similarly, her face wavering between resistance and hesitation. She was utterly conflicted.
"Hahaha… Lu Bu, I've finally caught you!"
A loud laugh suddenly broke the tension.
"Ah!"
Startled, both women twisted free from Lu Bu's grasp and hurriedly retreated toward the estate.
Lu Bu turned his gaze, expressionless, toward the source of the voice. "Gu Yao? Yang Hao?"
"Haha… ha…" In the sky, Gu Yao and Yang Hao broke into a cold sweat. "Uh… Commander, we came to inform you that the Gu Clan's coming of age ceremony is next month. What do you think…?"
"Ahem… That's right!" Gu Yao coughed lightly, clasping his hands.
"Oh? Is that so?" Lu Bu's hands clenched, and the crackling of his knuckles echoed ominously. "Not important. Since you're here, why don't we spar a bit?"
Gu Yao: "…"
Yang Hao: "…"
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