Chapter 402: Xiao Yan: What Good is This Dou Emperor Bloodline to Me?!
Seeing Xiao Yan unwilling to cooperate, Lu Bu shrugged and led the women around him further ahead. After about half an hour, a massive mountain loomed into view.
This was a mountain shrouded in black mist, with a heavy, nauseating stench permeating the air.
Even without stepping foot on the mountain, Lu Bu and his companions could clearly smell the pungent odor, so foul and oppressive it made their bodies feel uneasy.
Within the black mist, streaks of blood red light pierced the air, dyeing most of the mountain a dark crimson. The rolling waves of ominous, murderous energy emanating from it sent chills down the spines of onlookers from a distance.
"This aura… an Ancient Heaven Devouring Python?" Behind her veil, Medusa's beautiful face displayed a hint of surprise.
The Ancient Heaven Devouring Python was an extremely ferocious serpent type magical beast or rather, a feral beast might be a more fitting term. On the Central Plains, the species had long been hunted to extinction.
In terms of bloodline strength, the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python was an ancestral presence among many snake like magical beasts. Though it didn't surpass the Ancient Celestial Serpent or the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, it could easily dominate the likes of the Nine Nether Earth Python.
"So it's one of those brutes…" Yao Zi's charming face revealed disdain and scorn.
Despite its strong bloodline, even among other serpent magical beasts like the Nine Nether Earth Python, the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python was looked down upon. Its excessive bloodlust, stupidity, and explosive temper made it an outcast.
In fact, much of the python's extinction in the outside world was due to the efforts of magical beast clans led by the Nine Nether Earth Python.
Interestingly, the python's blood had a unique ability to refine physical bodies. Despite its savage nature, the species was notably nurturing toward its young. Each python would construct a "Blood Pool" and pour its efforts into collecting various heavenly treasures to fill it.
Over time, as the energy within the Blood Pool accumulated, it would help their young grow. Once the offspring reached a certain stage of maturity, they would absorb the vast energy of the Blood Pool to advance further.
Both Yao Zi and her sister had once soaked in a Blood Pool from such a python. However, the price for this was steep their father had sacrificed his life in an operation to kill the python, ensuring they could obtain its resources as children.
This was why Yao Zi and Yao Rong had been able to reach the Dou Venerate realm at a relatively young age despite having only average bloodlines. (Though, of course, Yao Zi had no intention of comparing herself to monsters like Lu Bu and his group she wasn't a masochist!)
While the python's Blood Pool had no use for Lu Bu himself, it was extremely beneficial for Medusa and Qing Lin. In fact, it would have been even more valuable for Yun Yun, which was one of the reasons Lu Bu had hoped she would join them. However, Yun Yun's excessive concern for his safety had led her to remain behind.
"While it may be a brute, its strength is no joke…" Lu Bu murmured as he gauged the aura of the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python. It was at the peak of the five turn Dou Venerate level. With a little more time, it could easily ascend to six turns.
"Let's go. It's time to take this thing down!" Lu Bu's eyes glinted with determination as he issued the order.
"I'll handle it," Medusa said with a light smile. With a graceful step, she leapt into the air.
Hiss!
As soon as Medusa moved, a thunderous hissing sound erupted from the mountain. A pair of blood red eyes lit up in the black mist, and a wave of overwhelming murderous intent surged forth like an avalanche, shaking the heavens.
Yao Zi's face turned pale, her legs trembling as if weighed down by a thousand tons. The arrogance she'd displayed earlier, mocking the python's intelligence, evaporated instantly.
Boom!
The ground quaked violently as a massive serpent tail thicker than ten people could wrap their arms around and over a hundred meters long lashed out from the mountain.
It was like a massive millstone blotting out the sky or a colossal whip tearing through the air with explosive force, aimed directly at Medusa.
"Hmph!" Lu Bu's eyes shone with a dazzling purple gold light. With a cold snort, dark gold dragon scales swiftly enveloped his arm.
Twisting his waist and tightening his muscles, he unleashed a devastating punch!
Boom!
The collision of Lu Bu's dragon fist and the python's massive tail triggered an earth shaking explosion. The impact created a fierce storm of wind and energy waves that shook the mountain violently, sending boulders crashing down.
"Courting death!" Medusa's cold voice rang out as her slender hand clenched into a fist. With a fierce swing, she targeted the crimson eyes of the serpent hidden within the black mist.
Bang!
A radiant seven colored beam shot forth like a battering ram, slamming directly into the python's blood red eyes.
In an instant, blood and scales scattered everywhere as the massive serpent's head reeled back, crashing heavily to the ground with a deafening thud.
Boom!
The resulting shockwave blew away the thick black mist shrouding the mountain, revealing a forest that had been crushed into rubble by the python's massive body.
"This beast has incredibly sharp senses and an explosive temper!" Xiao Yi Xian's delicate face turned serious. As her aura surged, her flowing black hair began to turn white again.
Nearby, Yao Zi's face turned even paler. She retreated hastily, partially due to Xiao Yi Xian's oppressive aura and partially because of the overwhelming pressure emanating from the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python.
As a six star Dou Venerate, she was utterly useless in this situation.
"Your Majesty, finish it off. Leave it half dead so Qing Lin can handle the rest," Lu Bu said calmly.
"Understood!" Medusa's enchanting eyes gleamed with excitement.
Unlike before, she didn't summon her usual weapon a long sword. Instead, like Lu Bu, she clenched her fists, channeling an overwhelming surge of seven colored energy into her delicate hands.
Roar!
A thunderous roar erupted from the python, shaking the heavens. Its fury and savagery reached new heights, transforming its earlier pain into a raging fire of destruction.
"Hmph." Qing Lin let out a soft snort as her slender hands formed a series of seals at lightning speed. A massive nine headed serpent phantom, nearly a hundred meters tall, materialized behind her.
The oppressive, bloodthirsty aura radiating from the phantom surged into the sky, suppressing even the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python's overwhelming presence.
"Good heavens… what a terrifying woman!"
In a hidden corner of the forest, several pairs of eyes peeked out from the underbrush, their owners trembling with cold sweat as they watched Qing Lin.
The petite girl, who looked as innocent and harmless as a family's youngest child, was actually suppressing an Ancient Heaven Devouring Python. The sheer horror of it was hard to fathom.
"And the scariest part hasn't even started yet…" Xiao Yan clenched his fists, his voice low and solemn.
Though Xiao Yan had initially refused to join Lu Bu, he had secretly followed him out of curiosity about the "opportunity" Lu Bu had mentioned. Now that he was here, he realized it involved an Ancient Heaven Devouring Python.
Before Xiao Yan could finish speaking, Medusa moved. Her figure, cloaked in dazzling seven colored light, vanished in an instant.
Roar!
The python unleashed another furious roar as a putrid black light shot from its mouth.
Bang!
A muffled sound echoed as golden and seven colored light collided midair, sending a terrifying shockwave rippling outward.
The Ancient Heaven Devouring Python's massive head slammed into the ground under the crushing force, creating a deafening crash.
Hiss!
The Ancient Heaven Devouring Python let out a piercing screech as it writhed in agony, its colossal body twisting uncontrollably. Foul smelling blood gushed from its wounds, staining the dirt yellow ground a vivid crimson.
Medusa's delicate hand clenched, and the vibrant seven colored energy condensed into a massive hand, pinning the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python as it tried to rise.
Hiss, hiss!
The massive python thrashed violently, with black mist surging out from beneath its scales. Its enormous body writhed and struck the ground with terrifying force, carving deep trenches into the earth. These gaping fissures, as dark as bottomless chasms, were a chilling testament to the python's frenzied struggle.
Medusa's expression remained composed, but her gaze grew colder. Her slender fingers tightened, and the enormous seven colored hand clamped down hard, gripping the python's hundreds of meters long body and ruthlessly slamming it into the towering mountain.
Boom!
The ground trembled, waves of dirt surged upward, and a thick cloud of dust filled the air. The Ancient Heaven Devouring Python crashed into the mountain, leaving it dazed and disoriented. Yet, its ferocious instincts remained intact.
Hiss, hiss, hiss!
Even in pain, the python let out defiant screeches. Its massive body twisted, attempting to rise again. But from above, the seven colored hand transformed into a hundred meter wide fist and plummeted like a meteor, smashing down hard.
Thud!
"Hiss… that looks like it hurts!"
In a nearby patch of tall grass, Xiao Yan grimaced, instinctively rubbing his head as though he could feel the impact.
Watching the seven colored figure fighting the python head on, the elders of the Starfall Pavilion broke out in cold sweat. This… this woman was a monster! She was taking on the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python with her bare hands and pure Dou Qi alone.
She hadn't even used any Dou Techniques!
"Do you think Lu Bu is safe around her…?" Xiao Yan muttered, his lips twitching as he struggled to imagine living alongside such a terrifying woman.
"Elder Sister, turn its eyes toward me!" A crisp, silver bell like voice rang out, snapping the elders out of their stunned reverie.
When they turned to look, expecting a delicate maiden, what they saw instead was Qing Lin. Although undoubtedly a young and charming girl, her aura was no less fierce than the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python itself.
Medusa responded with a cold shout, grabbing the python's head and forcefully twisting it in Qing Lin's direction.
The python roared in rage, black light and foul stench spilling from its massive maw in bursts of violent energy. Yet, it was futile.
The seven colored hand clamped down on the python's vital spot like an iron vise, the immense pressure immobilizing it completely.
A glowing green light swirled in Qing Lin's eyes as three strange flowers spun rapidly within her pupils. A pale green beam shot from her gaze, locking onto the python's blood red eyes.
A mysterious ripple emanated from the beam, seeping into the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python's very soul like a hypnotic spell.
Hiss!
Sensing Qing Lin's intent, the python let out a panicked cry and began thrashing wildly, desperately trying to escape.
Medusa frowned slightly. While she could easily control the python's physical body, she couldn't suppress its rebellious spirit.
Hmph! Qing Lin's soft snort reverberated through the air. Suddenly, an overwhelming pressure surged from her body. The aura of the Ancient Celestial Serpent gushed forth like a tidal wave, enveloping the area in its suffocating might.
Medusa's eyebrows lifted slightly as she instantly understood Qing Lin's strategy. Her body erupted in radiant, seven colored light, adding her aura to the suppression.
Hiss, hiss, hiss!
Under the combined pressure of the Ancient Celestial Serpent and the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, the once fearless beast's blood red eyes finally revealed a flicker of terror.
"Triple Jade Green Flower Pupils, activate!"
Qing Lin's soft voice resonated in the air, and emerald light burst forth. A profound ripple swept across the space, causing it to crack and shatter inch by inch. The powerful fluctuations overwhelmed the python's soul, forcing it into submission.
A faint green flower appeared on the python's forehead, and the once violent, bloodthirsty Ancient Heaven Devouring Python gradually quieted down, its massive body now docile and submissive.
In the nearby grass, Xiao Yan's forehead dripped with cold sweat. Back in the Ancient Realm, Xun'er had told him about the mysterious powers of the Snake God Temple's Saintess, but this was his first time witnessing Qing Lin's legendary Triple Jade Green Flower Pupils.
To think that she could control a five turn peak Dou Venerate beast with just her seven star Dou Venerate strength… Xiao Yan's mind was in turmoil.
"Damn it… why are they all so strong?" Xiao Yan thought bitterly, his emotions in disarray.
Lu Bu was like this. The Poison Lady was like this. Medusa was like this. Even Yun Yun and the Snake God Temple Saintess were like this.
"So what's the point of my Dou Emperor bloodline if I still can't beat them?"
Xiao Yan's lips twitched as he felt a deep sense of defeat. Before obtaining his bloodline, he had been no match for Lu Bu or his companions. Now, even with the bloodline, he still couldn't match them.
Had he obtained the bloodline for nothing?
This was outrageous!
Not far away, Lu Bu calmly released the seals on his hands as the crystalline glow in his eyes gradually faded.
"I thought you were going to step in," Xiao Yi Xian said softly, her snow white hair slowly returning to its silken black as the crimson mark on her forehead faded.
"With the queen's current strength at nine turn Dou Venerate, handling this creature is hardly a challenge," Lu Bu replied with a smile, his gaze lingering on Xiao Yi Xian as she reverted to her normal form.
"I wasn't worried about her," Xiao Yi Xian huffed, crossing her arms and pouting.
Lu Bu chuckled and casually flicked a stream of fire into the nearby grass.
Boom!
"Run! Get out of here!" Xiao Yan's panicked shout came from the bushes as he fled with his companions, stumbling over themselves in a flurry of chaos.
Xiao Yi Xian glanced at the commotion, then turned her attention back to Lu Bu. "So, this beast… is it the reason we came here?"
"Not exactly," Lu Bu replied. "We're here for the blood pool."
"The energy there is… chaotic and overly violent," Xiao Yi Xian said, frowning slightly as she glanced at the crimson pool nearby.
While the energy might be beneficial for tempering the body, it was also highly volatile and required tremendous effort to refine. Given Medusa's already near complete cultivation at nine turn Dou Venerate, such a method was unnecessary.
As for Qing Lin, the process was even riskier her body lacked Medusa's resilience, making her vulnerable to injury.
"It's not a problem. I have a solution," Lu Bu said with a confident smile.
He formed a series of hand seals, sending two streams of black light to envelop Medusa and Qing Lin.
Instantly, their skin seemed to glow with a thin black membrane, making their already flawless complexions appear even more radiant. The mysterious barrier exuded both allure and power, while faint ripples of devouring energy began purifying the surrounding energies.
Recognizing his intent, Medusa and Qing Lin exchanged glances before leaping gracefully into the blood pool.
Gurgle… Crackle!
As they entered, the chaotic energy within the pool surged like a storm. However, thanks to the devouring membrane, the energy was rapidly refined, leaving only its purest essence to nourish their bodies.
Even so, the sharp, needle like pain from the body tempering process caused their brows to furrow slightly.
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