Chapter 403: Lu Bu: I Have a Special Source of Intelligence...
The vast and boundless energy refined by the devouring membrane continuously flowed into Qing Lin and Medusa's bodies. Along with the sensation of needle like pricks, the energy seeped into their skin, muscles, and bones. Gradually, their physical bodies became tougher and more resilient.
Within the blood pool, Medusa could feel her body growing stronger bit by bit. A faint smirk appeared on her lips. Little man, you're the one who chose this. You'll have a lot to deal with in the future.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu stood watch, protecting the two women as they refined the energy. Though this was the territory of the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python and generally avoided by other beasts, he couldn't afford to lower his guard.
Suddenly, he froze, a chill running down his spine as though an invisible predator or some terrifying beast was watching him.
Time flowed on, and several days passed. The Heaven Devouring Blood Pool had diminished noticeably, its deep crimson hue fading to a pale pink.
Splash!
Medusa slowly opened her eyes and stood up from the blood pool. As she gracefully turned her body, a vibrant rainbow colored light shimmered around her.
The wet, clinging fabric of her robes seemed to slither off her body like scales. Whether deliberate or accidental, the light around the queen was soft rather than blinding.
Through the hazy glow, the curves of her exquisite figure were faintly visible. Her snow white skin was partially exposed, enough to make one's heart race.
Lu Bu's fingers instinctively clenched into a fist. His knuckles felt unusually stiff.
"Hmph! Your eyeballs are practically glued to her!" Xiao Yi Xian crossed her arms, snorting. "It's not like you haven't seen her before."
"And what of it?" Medusa had already changed into a clean, dry robe, her lips curving into a teasing smirk. "I don't mind."
With that, she mirrored Xiao Yi Xian's action, wrapping her arm around Lu Bu's other arm.
Xiao Yi Xian shot her a furious glare, clearly unhappy especially since Medusa's strength had now surpassed hers.
"Cough, cough…" Lu Bu cleared his throat lightly, awkwardly trying to soothe both women as he wrapped his arms around them in reassurance.
Behind him, Yao Zi looked up at the sky, feigning indifference, though her expression betrayed a hint of jealousy. She muttered to herself, Nothing to envy here… absolutely nothing.
Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed through the area. A surge of powerful energy erupted, shaking the heavens as an immense wave of energy poured forth.
Within the blood pool, icy energy surged around Qing Lin, rising into a towering pillar of light.
"Huh?" Both Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa turned in surprise, their eyes locking on Qing Lin.
"She broke through?"
"So fast… she's already an eight star Dou Venerate?"
"It's not surprising," Lu Bu commented. "Qing Lin's Triple Jade Green Flower Pupils give her a unique advantage. Not to mention the sheer amount of energy in the blood pool."
As he spoke, the aura emanating from Qing Lin reached its peak. At that moment, her energy stabilized, and she withdrew her power, letting it settle into calm stillness.
"Ehehe, Young Master, Elder Sisters, I've advanced to eight stars!" Qing Lin exclaimed, her toes lightly brushing the ground as she leapt out of the blood pool and landed before them, her face glowing with joy.
In the distance, Yao Zi continued to stare at the sky, whispering to herself, The sky is so blue. The clouds are so white. My teeth hurt so much…
"Let's go. It's time to head to the Ancient Region Platform," Lu Bu said with a smile.
"Let me do it!" Qing Lin volunteered eagerly. Her eyes gleamed as the enormous figure of the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python materialized once more, its sheer size making it appear like a mountain on the move.
"Come on, let's ride it," Qing Lin said with a grin. With the terrifying Ancient Heaven Devouring Python as their mount, there was no need to worry about being attacked.
Even mindless beasts might not fear a six star Dou Venerate Nine Serene Deep Ground Python, but none would dare provoke a five turn Dou Venerate Ancient Heaven Devouring Python.
"Let's go…" Lu Bu nodded, leading the way as Xiao Yi Xian and Medusa followed closely behind. Yao Zi descended from the air, rejoining them silently.
With a low growl, the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python surged forward, its massive body weaving through the dense forest at incredible speed.
Ancient Region Platform.
In ancient times, this place was once a battlefield where countless powerful individuals fought, fell, and died. Over the years, an unusual form of pressure had settled over the area.
This pressure made it a place where no beast dared tread, turning the platform into a rare sanctuary within the treacherous Ancient Region. Naturally, there was only one such location.
Situated at the border between the inner and middle regions of the Ancient Region, the Ancient Region Platform served as a safe resting spot for those venturing deeper into the dangerous domain.
Because of the impending emergence of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, the previously desolate platform had become bustling with activity. Various factions had marked their territories, gathering their forces. Countless individuals were also on their way, hoping to claim a spot on this coveted ground.
Among them was Xiao Yan.
At this moment, Xiao Yan was traveling to the platform with several elders from the Starfall Pavilion, accompanied by Hua Yu, the leader of the Flower Sect.
The relationship between the Starfall Pavilion and the Flower Sect was close, not only because the former had once saved Hua Yu's life but also because the Flower Sect's Grand Elder had a somewhat ambiguous connection with Yao Chen.
Additionally, the two factions shared a common enemy: the Heavenly Netherworld Sect.
With so much in common, it was natural for the Starfall Pavilion and the Flower Sect to form an alliance.
"We're finally here…" Xiao Yan sighed, his gaze locking on the massive expanse ahead. Stretching over an area several miles wide, the platform was teeming with people, their presence filling the air with a tense, almost solemn atmosphere.
The journey had not been easy. Xiao Yan and his group had faced treacherous poison mists, vicious beast attacks, and even a battle with the Heavenly Netherworld Sect. Though they emerged victorious, their enemies managed to escape.
The only solace was their alliance with the Flower Sect. Despite the challenges, they had reached their destination unharmed.
Looking at the Ancient Region Platform, a small smile of satisfaction appeared on Xiao Yan's face.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a thunderous sound echoed through the sky, followed by an enormous shadow sweeping over the platform.
The Starfall Pavilion and Flower Sect members looked up in shock, only to see a massive figure, hundreds of meters long, soaring through the air. Its imposing presence sent shivers down their spines.
"What a terrifying aura!" Hua Yu's expression grew solemn. Although she was a nine turn Dou Venerate and did not fear such a beast, the sheer ferocity radiating from this creature still unsettled her.
"Is that… an Ancient Heaven Devouring Python?" Xiao Yan's lips twitched as he recalled the battle he had witnessed earlier.
"An Ancient Heaven Devouring Python?" Hua Yu's eyes widened in shock. While the beast's strength wasn't unparalleled, its savagery and madness made it an adversary even she would prefer to avoid. Yet now, someone had tamed it and was using it as a mount?
On the platform, those who had already secured positions cried out in alarm. As the Ancient Heaven Devouring Python descended, they scrambled to move aside, unwilling to provoke the beast.
BOOM!
With a resounding crash, the massive python landed, kicking up a storm of wind and dust. The startled crowd burst into a chorus of curses until their eyes fell on the figures descending from the python's back.
Lu Bu landed gracefully, his sharp gaze sweeping across the gathered factions.
The once complaining crowd immediately fell silent, their faces turning pale as they averted their gazes.
This wasn't cowardice it was simply wise to avoid unnecessary trouble.
After all, anyone capable of riding an Ancient Heaven Devouring Python into the Ancient Region Platform was either backed by immense power or strong enough to subdue such a creature. Either way, it was best not to provoke them.
The quiet murmurs spread as Lu Bu's group made their entrance.
As the light faded, the massive Ancient Heaven Devouring Python turned into a streak of light and vanished. Meanwhile, Medusa and the other women descended gracefully, their faces hidden behind veils, quietly following behind Lu Bu.
"These women… they're not to be trifled with."
"They're all transition level Dou Venerates… Damn, where did these people come from? How have we never heard of them before?"
"Not all of them are transition level Dou Venerates… Well, actually, close enough."
"Damn it, I'm so jealous of that pretty boy! Why does he get to be surrounded by so many strong and beautiful women?"
"Because… because he's a pretty boy?"
Lu Bu ignored the noisy whispers around him. He raised his gaze and spotted a towering stone platform in the distance. The platform was about two to three meters high and hundreds of meters wide. On it stood quite a few familiar figures.
With a light push from his toes, Lu Bu leaped onto the platform, the women following closely behind.
The moment they landed, several sharp gazes instantly snapped toward Lu Bu.
"It's him…" Jiufeng clenched his fists, his multicolored pupils darkening with malice.
Though Jiufeng didn't recognize Lu Bu's face, he did recognize the fiery, dragon like aura emanating from him. The battle during the spatial trade meeting had left a deep and bitter scar in Jiufeng's memory.
If not for the tragic state of Yinghuang's elder and the overwhelming power of the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan, Jiufeng's humiliating defeat might have cost him his position as the young clan leader.
"So, it's just some pretty boy!" sneered a sharp featured young man standing beside Jiufeng.
"And it's not just the pretty boy, but that woman as well," said Huang Yang, glaring at Medusa with a flicker of anger in his eyes. "If it weren't for my prior injuries in that battle, how could I have been suppressed by a woman?"
"Hmph, and that two flame wielding woman didn't even show up. Guess she's too scared to come!" Huang Xin crossed her arms and scoffed.
"Relying on someone else's backing is so laughable," she sneered. "If not for the intervention of the Taixu Ancient Dragons, those three would have already been crushed by the young master and me!"
"Haha! Lu Bu, I knew you'd show up!" A hearty laugh broke through the tension as Gu Qingyang led a group of five from the Gu Clan and approached Lu Bu with a friendly smile.
"Commander Qingyang, long time no see!" Lu Bu greeted with a smile, recognizing Gu Qingyang and the group of Gu Clan members behind him: Gu Xing, Gu Hua, Gu Yao, and the young Gu Clan heiress, Xiao Xun'er.
Lu Bu's sharp gaze swept over the group, noting their impressive strength. Gu Qingyang had reached the ninth transition Dou Venerate level, Gu Hua was at the seventh transition (though seemingly just entering), Gu Xing a burly man built like a bear was at five transitions, while Gu Yao was at three transitions.
However, Lu Bu couldn't quite gauge Xiao Xun'er's strength. It was likely something was blocking his spiritual perception.
Nevertheless, the heavy scent of blood clinging to the Gu Clan group's bodies suggested they'd recently emerged from a deadly battle.
As Lu Bu extended his soul force, the members of the Gu Clan visibly stiffened, their faces shifting subtly.
Such powerful soul force… Exchanging silent glances, they all felt a suffocating pressure weighing on their souls, leaving them deeply shaken.
Even the semi saints in the clan don't exert such a heavy spiritual presence!
"Commander Lu has grown even stronger…" Gu Yao couldn't help but sigh. The first time he met Lu Bu, he had been a full major level ahead of him. Though the Ancient Dragon secret techniques had allowed Lu Bu to close the combat gap, Gu Yao's higher cultivation realm had been an undeniable advantage.
But now...
"What are you sighing about?" Lu Bu rolled his eyes. "Me getting stronger was always going to happen, wasn't it?"
Gu Yao froze, his face twitching awkwardly as he struggled to find a response.
"Well, don't just stand there greet your sisters in law!" Lu Bu pointed at Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin behind him.
"Sisters in law… uh, which one?" Gu Yao asked reflexively, glancing between the three women.
"All of them!" Lu Bu replied smugly. "Didn't I tell you? I have five women."
"Haha… Ha… S Sisters in law, nice to meet you…" Gu Yao stammered awkwardly, cold sweat dripping as he scratched the back of his head.
Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian gave faint nods, their expressions obscured by their veils but at least polite enough to acknowledge the greeting.
Meanwhile, Gu Hua and Gu Xing exchanged wry glances, their expressions odd. The elders were right Gu Yao's been completely led astray by Lu Bu… to the point where he's become like this.
Gu Qingyang maintained a smile, but his thoughts were racing. The woman in the colorful dress was no ordinary individual. Even he felt a faint sense of dread in her presence.
This woman is powerful! Her cultivation is most likely far above Lu Bu's…
Xiao Xun'er's golden eyes flickered. She too felt a twinge of unease. If her guess was correct, this was the Snake Person Tribe's Medusa Queen. How could her strength have increased so rapidly?
"Let's get down to business," Lu Bu said, stroking his chin. "You all haven't been able to enter the deeper parts of the Ancient Region?"
"Indeed," Gu Qingyang nodded with a hint of frustration. "We've pinpointed the location of the Bodhi Ancient Tree, but there are too many beasts between the Ancient Region Platform and the tree. It's impossible to clear them all."
Before he could finish, several more figures leaped onto the platform. Their presence was immediately familiar.
Gu Yao froze, then narrowed his eyes as a cold sneer curled across his lips.
"Xiao Yan!" Gu Yao's eyes glinted with hostility. "You've shown up after all!"
"Haha! If even Commander Gu Yao is here, how could I not be?" Xiao Yan replied with a faint smile, the tension palpable between them.
"One star Dou Venerate… Your cultivation speed is decent," Gu Yao remarked, scrutinizing Xiao Yan with a faint air of disdain.
"Just lucky," Xiao Yan responded humbly.
"But with your strength, you won't be able to accomplish much here," Gu Yao said, his eyes narrowing slightly in warning.
"It's enough to deal with some challenges," Xiao Yan replied nonchalantly. His gaze shifted to the blood stained Gu Clan group, curiosity flashing across his face. "What's the situation now?"
Xiao Xun'er stepped forward, quietly explaining the current circumstances to him.
"I see…" Xiao Yan's expression turned grave. "I didn't expect so many difficulties just trying to get close to the Bodhi Ancient Tree."
"Oh? Brother Xiao, does that mean there are other complications besides the beasts?" Gu Hua asked curiously.
The Bodhi Ancient Tree was a once in a millennium phenomenon. Even the ancient imperial clans knew little about it.
"The Bodhi Ancient Tree can turn people into puppets," Xiao Yan said solemnly. "It's likely that those who attempted to challenge it in the past have already been transformed into its guardians."
"Moreover, there are at least five semi saint level puppets guarding the tree…"
"What?!" The Gu Clan members were shocked, their faces paling. Five semi saint puppets?
Even with their combined strength, they barely numbered five or six people!
"That's what Lu Bu told me," Xiao Yan added, rubbing his chin. "I don't know if it's true or not."
The Gu Clan members turned to Lu Bu, their gazes filled with disbelief.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Lu Bu rolled his eyes. With a faint smirk, he said, "Don't doubt me. I have… special sources of information."
(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