Chapter 400: Nightmare Mist and the Heavenly Refining Array
Rustle, rustle…
Lu Bu shook the yellowed parchment in his hand, his expression deep and thoughtful. From the surface, he couldn't detect anything extraordinary about the map.
"As expected of the Purifying Lotus Demon Saint. If I didn't know the truth behind this item, I might've been fooled…" Rubbing his chin, Lu Bu allowed his soul energy to flow into the map like liquid mercury, probing its mysteries.
Hmmph!
Barely a moment passed before a forceful rejection pushed Lu Bu's soul energy out of the parchment, leaving him momentarily stunned.
"…Well then," Lu Bu muttered, his mouth twitching slightly. "Looks like I'll need to use Heavenly Flames."
With that thought, he waved his sleeve, and purple black flames erupted forth, engulfing the yellowed parchment map.
The flames roared, their intense heat warping the air around them. Yet despite the terrifying power of the Three Thousand Burning Flame, the map remained completely unscathed.
Lu Bu wasn't surprised. He knew he hadn't yet burned it thoroughly. Remaining calm, he sat cross legged and directed his flames to refine the map, treating it as though it were a rare medicinal ingredient.
As time passed, and the flames grew fiercer, faint patterns began to glow on the surface of the parchment. It was as if light was leaking out through cracks in the map's surface.
Finally, the brightness reached its peak, and the parchment trembled. Sixteen characters emerged on its surface, glowing with radiant energy:
"Twin moons rise, nine stars align, tides of heaven and earth surge, flames descend from the sky."
Lu Bu glanced at the text and shrugged indifferently, pressing his palm firmly against the parchment without even bothering to read it thoroughly.
Suddenly, the flaming lotus flower depicted on the map trembled violently, as though it had come to life. In a flash of lightning, the lotus transformed into a streak of energy and shot into Lu Bu's forehead.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. The instant the lotus moved, he had sensed it. But… this was exactly what he had been waiting for.
Zzzt!
With a faint sound, a massive white light orb appeared within Lu Bu's soul. Silent and motionless, it simply hovered there.
Lu Bu rubbed his chin thoughtfully and sent his soul energy toward the white orb. As expected, it ignored him completely.
In the original story, Xiao Yan faced a similar situation. He couldn't do anything with the orb after obtaining the map, as he was only an eight star Dou Venerate at the time and too weak to explore its secrets. Later, preoccupied with mastering new techniques and seeking the Bodhi Heart, he didn't have the time to study the orb, even after reaching the Heavenly Realm Soul's Perfected Stage.
"But I'm not Xiao Yan…" Lu Bu murmured, staring at the white orb before him. "You dare enter my body and expect to freeload? Dream on!"
Hehehe… Time to pay rent!
Lu Bu cackled sinisterly as a timeless rune appeared within his soul. It radiated black light, unleashing an overwhelming devouring force that swept through his spiritual domain like a tidal wave.
The once calm, indifferent white orb began to tremble violently. Waves of fear and panic radiated from it, like a startled bird trying to flee.
Hehehe… You think my soul is a place you can come and go as you please?
Lu Bu sneered. Black energy surged across his spiritual domain like an endless tide, transforming his soul into a pitch black void. The devouring force sealed every escape route, leaving the white orb trapped like a bird in a cage.
The oppressive devouring force bore down on the orb, bit by bit, as if a cat were toying with a mouse. Lu Bu seemed in no hurry to destroy it outright he wanted to savor the game first.
"Stop!"
From within the white orb, a figure emerged a man dressed in flowing white robes, exuding elegance and handsomeness that far surpassed Xiao Yan. Though, of course, compared to Lu Bu, he still fell slightly short.
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed. As expected of the man closest to becoming a Dou Emperor. His looks are second only to mine!
The man in white glared at Lu Bu with a mix of anger and displeasure. "I am but a remnant projection. Why do you press me so relentlessly?"
"I'm quite interested in your Heavenly Refining Array and Nightmare Mist," Lu Bu said with a smile. "How about a trade? I'll guide you to the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame's sealed space and help you deal with it. In return, you hand over the techniques."
"Hmph. Aren't you also targeting the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame?" The remnant image sneered coldly. His intelligence clearly matched his good looks, far surpassing Xiao Yan's.
"Then I guess there's no deal," Lu Bu said, his smile fading. He stepped forward, his expression turning frosty. If the real Purifying Lotus Demon Saint were present, Lu Bu might have shown respect. But this? Just a projection?
Black light swirled around him as chains of pure devouring energy materialized in his hands, radiating a dark, menacing aura.
"Damn it! This is definitely not something from the Dou Qi Continent!" the projection cursed, recognizing the nature of Lu Bu's weapon. These weren't mere chains but pure devouring energy condensed into form.
Other than the Void Swallowing Flame, no one else could manipulate devouring energy this precisely.
"This has nothing to do with you. If you refuse to cooperate, I have no choice," Lu Bu said coldly. His voice was calm, but the devouring energy in his hands grew increasingly ferocious.
"Wait…" the projection said begrudgingly. "I'll give you what you want. But you'll need to nourish me for a while I'll need strength if I'm to face that beast."
"Deal!" Lu Bu's frosty expression vanished instantly, replaced by an eager grin. "I'm an alchemist. Nourishing things like you is my specialty!"
The projection hesitated before extending a hand. Two orbs of light shot toward Lu Bu one was a swirling mass of milky white mist, and the other was a strange black and white array disk radiating mysterious energy.
Lu Bu caught them, examining the objects carefully. His lips curled into a satisfied smile.
"I hope you keep your promise," the projection said coldly before retreating back into the white orb.
"Don't worry. There's plenty of time the flame won't descend for a few more years," Lu Bu said with a chuckle. He immediately immersed his mind in the Nightmare Mist and Heavenly Refining Array, beginning his study.
On a distant mountain peak, the elders of the Ancient Dragon Clan exchanged puzzled glances.
"Lu Bu's soul fluctuations have settled down again?"
"He just finished one round of seclusion. Now he's starting another?"
"This kid cultivates way too fast. At this rate, Zhu Gang, he'll surpass you in ten years."
"Sigh… No wonder the Dragon Emperor took a liking to him. Truly terrifying."
"All right, enough chatter," Zhu Yin interrupted. "Get back to training or your duties."
"Yes, Elder!" The other elders immediately straightened up, their postures deferential. In front of Zhu Yin, they were little more than juniors.
…
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
The commotion caused by Lu Bu's soul pressure gradually subsided, and East Dragon Island returned to its usual calm.
The young dragons resumed their drills, the elders continued their cultivation, and the island operated in its usual orderly fashion.
Boom!
Suddenly, two overwhelming auras erupted from the depths of East Dragon Island, shaking the heavens.
"What incredible power… It feels almost on par with the Third Elder!"
"I'm not sure... but I'm certain that Commander Hei Qing couldn't compare to these two auras, no matter how hard he tried."
"What are you babbling about? Get back to training!" Hei Qing's annoyed voice boomed as he appeared behind the two young dragons, his expression dark.
"Y yes, sir!" Startled, the two dragons scurried away like frightened mice.
Hei Qing's mouth twitched as he turned to look at the source of the surging, roaring auras in the distance. With a helpless sigh, he muttered to himself, "Not only is Lu Bu's strength leagues ahead of mine, but even his women are far stronger than me now."
The absurdity of the situation weighed on Hei Qing. Just a few years ago, when he first met Lu Bu, the man hadn't even reached the Dou Venerate stage.
"Forget it. No use dwelling on this..." Hei Qing shook off the bitter feeling, trying to comfort himself. After all, even the Third Elder's cultivation was on the verge of being overtaken by Lu Bu.
This thought helped him feel slightly better.
At the edge of the estate, a soft whoosh sounded as Zi Yan appeared mid air. She stared at the two surging auras roaring from within the estate, her expression stunned.
"Is this... Sister Medusa? Has she already reached Nine Star Dou Venerate?" Zi Yan's delicate, beautiful face was blank with disbelief. Not long ago, Medusa had only been at the One Star stage!
Zi Yan's lips twitched. For the first time, she felt that her own cultivation progress might not be as exceptional as she thought. It seemed entirely possible that her sisters might surpass her at any moment...
"Not just your Sister Medusa, but your Sister Yun as well," a calm voice said beside her as a figure appeared. Lu Bu emerged from the void with a faint smile. "Sister Yun's strength has also improved. Hmm... she should now be at Seven Star."
Lu Bu lightly sensed the fluctuations before giving his assessment.
"So fast..." Zi Yan sighed in awe, finally understanding just how powerful the Dou Saint Energy Core Lu Bu had provided was.
As they spoke, Yun Yun and Medusa slowly retracted their surging auras. In a flash, the two women appeared before Lu Bu and Zi Yan, faint smiles on their faces that radiated satisfaction.
"Sisters, you're cultivating so quickly!" Zi Yan spread her arms wide and hugged both Medusa and Yun Yun, her tone filled with admiration and envy.
"Nowhere near as fast as you," Medusa quipped, poking Zi Yan on the forehead with mock annoyance.
This little girl had already reached the Dou Saint stage and possessed the unparalleled bloodline of the Dragon Phoenix. Her combat power likely allowed her to challenge opponents several levels higher than her.
The thought left Medusa feeling somewhat sour. The excitement brought by her breakthrough had dimmed slightly.
"You brat, it's easy to talk big when you're already ahead of everyone!" Yun Yun teased as she gently knocked on Zi Yan's head.
Zi Yan pouted but didn't respond, though inwardly she resolved to train harder. She couldn't let her sisters surpass her. Absolutely not!
"Zi Yan, I'm planning to return to Central Plains," Lu Bu said thoughtfully, stroking his chin. The time for the Bodhi Ancient Tree's emergence was drawing near, and he needed to prepare to journey to the Mysterious Ancient Region.
"So soon?" Zi Yan blinked, stunned. She had intended to focus on training but had hoped to enjoy some leisure time first.
"The Bodhi Ancient Tree's appearance is an opportunity to achieve the Dou Saint stage," Lu Bu said, ruffling her hair with a smile.
"Ah... fine," Zi Yan sighed.
As much as she wanted to accompany him back to Central Plains, the presence of the Three Dragon Kings made it impossible. Those paranoid fools would stop at nothing to capture her, even if it meant mobilizing all their forces, including the Dragon Kings themselves.
"This is a space talisman from Elder Zhu Huo. If you need help, call him anytime," Zi Yan said, handing Lu Bu a jade talisman. "Let me see you off."
With a wave of her sleeve, a vast spatial ripple spread outward, forming a stable spatial passage in the blink of an eye.
"Sister, your mastery of space is incredible," Medusa praised, her tone filled with admiration. She had just reached Nine Star Dou Venerate and could now tear through space to create spatial passages, but she couldn't match Zi Yan's effortless precision and grace.
"Take care, Zi Yan. We'll come back to see you in a while," Yun Yun said with a soft laugh, linking her arm with Lu Bu's.
"Goodbye, sisters! Lu Bu, come back soon!" Zi Yan called after them, her voice tinged with reluctance as she watched the three figures disappear into the spatial passage.
"Well then, time for me to train as well..." Zi Yan sighed before clenching her teeth in determination. "Damn those Three Dragon Kings. If it weren't for them, would I have to deal with this nonsense?"
"Just wait. In a year, I'll wipe you out!" Zi Yan muttered fiercely, stamping her foot before stepping into the void to begin her secluded training.
In the Central Plains' Pill Region…
Lu Bu and his party briefly gathered information upon arriving. As expected, the entire Central Plains was abuzz with excitement. The Bodhi Ancient Tree was the topic of every conversation.
However, few dared to venture into the Mysterious Ancient Region. The reasons were simple: the place was treacherous beyond measure. Toxic miasma, venomous insects, ferocious beasts, and threats from rival factions made it a chilling prospect for most.
Many factions with a realistic understanding of their abilities opted to remain as spectators, unwilling to risk everything for this dangerous "feast."
Even the Pill Tower chose to abstain. Not only did they lack combat expertise, but their strongest members eight Dou Venerate elders had long grown complacent and cared only for alchemy and their families.
They had also antagonized the Hall of Souls recently. With the Hall's notorious penchant for revenge, the Pill Tower didn't dare leave itself vulnerable by allowing its top members to leave.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu returned to his estate to find that Xiao Yi Xian had already returned. She had gained significant rewards, including the complete Poison Pill Method, and her strength had risen from Nine Star Dou Venerate to Three Star Dou Venerate.
While satisfied with her progress, her smile vanished the moment Medusa and Yun Yun returned. Her frustration built up, but she could do nothing about it.
With the Bodhi Ancient Tree's emergence imminent, she couldn't afford to sit out this opportunity. The toxic environment of the Mysterious Ancient Region meant that her expertise was essential for Lu Bu's group's survival.
Unexpectedly, Yun Yun announced that she would not participate. As a member of the Spirit Clan, she feared drawing unnecessary trouble to Lu Bu. Despite his reassurances that his connections with the Ancient Dragon Clan made him nearly untouchable, Yun Yun remained firm in her decision to stay behind and oversee the estate.
After some preparation, Lu Bu set off with Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin toward the Mysterious Ancient Region.
As they departed, an ethereal, fragrant mist spread from the northeastern skies of Central Plains. It swept across the land like waves, accompanied by a peculiar, clean energy.
In the depths of the Mysterious Ancient Region, a colossal ancient tree slowly materialized, bathed in radiant light. The legendary Bodhi Ancient Tree had finally appeared.
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