Chapter 405: Lu Bu Is a Kept Pretty Boy!
Qing Lin's unusual reaction attracted a great deal of attention. On the stone platform, countless eyes turned toward Lu Bu's group, attempting to discern what kind of information they had uncovered.
"Hmph!"
Lu Bu let out a cold snort, and an intense, searing soul force suddenly burst forth.
"Damn it…"
The invisible heatwave swept over the crowd, causing their eyes to sting unbearably. Those who reacted quickly averted their gazes in alarm, stumbling backward in fear. But the slower ones, with weaker cultivation, were less fortunate blood tears dripped from their eyes as darkness consumed their vision.
"This boy's soul power isn't weak…" Hun Mei commented nonchalantly, her gaze fixed on Lu Bu.
"Ke ke… If we could extract and capture it, it would be quite the prize," cackled an elder standing behind Hun Mo.
"Who is he? Why have I never heard of him?" Hun Mo rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his expression revealing intrigue. Such a powerful soul was indeed a rare and tempting target.
"They say his name is Lu Bu, the Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Army," Hun Mei replied. She had heard of him from Di Xie not long ago, though this was their first meeting.
"This person is also affiliated with the Pill Tower," added the elder. "Di Xie mentioned that Lu Bu ambushed him, forcing him to self detonate to escape. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Underworld Sect claimed this person's strength is overwhelming and not to be underestimated."
"Oh?" A playful smile spread across Hun Mo's face. "In your opinion, how should we view this man?"
"In alchemy, he might excel," the elder, known as the Third Heavenly Venerate, sneered. "But as for combat ability? From my perspective, he's just another self promoter."
"Ha ha… I couldn't agree more," Hun Mo chuckled.
As the Grand Commander of the Black Abyss Army, Lu Bu's reputation had naturally reached his ears. But someone who relied on sneak attacks to defeat a "waste" like Hun Yu? His true combat strength could be imagined.
Moreover, Lu Bu had supposedly defeated Di Xie through ambush tactics, failing even to finish the job despite the element of surprise. Both of his "famous victories" were marked by underhanded methods, suggesting his reputation might be grossly exaggerated.
"Still, he shouldn't be underestimated," Hun Mo added, his voice laced with caution. "From that earlier display, it's clear he possesses Heavenly Flames, and such things are not to be taken lightly."
"The Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan seemed to have a strange look in their eyes when they saw him. Perhaps he could be a potential ally," Hun Mei suggested. With Lu Bu's deep ties to the Gu Clan and Pill Tower, his natural enemies aligned with their own. If they could bring the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan into an alliance, it would be the perfect way to suppress the Gu Clan's arrogance.
Hun Mo smiled faintly. "It's worth exploring. For now, though, let's focus on the beast tide…"
Hun Mo's gaze shifted toward the northern edge of the Ancient Domain Platform. The area was pitch black, and his expression grew contemplative. The beast tide… It was a maddening yet tempting obstacle.
As they spoke, more factions arrived. The Ancient Domain Platform, now teeming with over a thousand people, became a gathering point for a host of powerful figures. It was a sight to behold where Dou Zuns roamed freely, and Dou Huangs and Dou Zongs were scarcely worth mentioning.
The allure of the Bodhi Ancient Tree was truly extraordinary.
Lu Bu rubbed his chin, impressed. This reminded him of the time he fought for the Bodhi Saliva in the Black Corner Region. Back then, nearly every expert in the region had participated in the brutal battle. Without Medusa's help, the aid of Xiao Yan and Yao Chen, and Su Qian's support, claiming the treasure would have been nearly impossible.
At the thought, Lu Bu subconsciously brushed the surface of his storage ring, and a slightly murky Bodhi Seed appeared in his palm.
This seed had been left behind after the Bodhi Saliva was refined. Its quality was mediocre, unworthy of being crafted into a Bodhi Pill. But now, this seed had become Lu Bu's secret trump card.
Due to the residual emotions of an ancient Dou Di, the Bodhi Ancient Tree had split into two personas: one good and one evil. This division prevented the tree from developing a complete sentience. Otherwise, no Dou Zun not even a Dou Sheng would stand a chance against the tree's wrath.
This seed, however, offered Lu Bu a unique advantage: a way to connect with the tree's benevolent persona and escape its illusions.
If that plan failed… Well, he could always rely on the Devouring Ancient Symbol to forcefully break through. That was his ultimate ace!
On the Gu Clan's side, the group surveyed their surroundings. With so many powerful figures gathered, they were confident that a coordinated assault on the beast tide could succeed. Combined, the forces present here represented an immense, unparalleled strength.
On the Soul Clan's side, the sentiment was similar.
"Everyone," Hun Mo said as he floated upward, his strong presence radiating outward. "I believe we all understand our current predicament. The beast tide separates us from the Bodhi Ancient Tree. To reach it, we must break through this tide."
The crowd fell silent as Hun Mo's powerful aura made their hearts skip a beat. A Nine Turn Dou Zun such strength was indeed terrifying!
"But the beast tide is vast," Hun Mo continued, his voice carrying authority. "None of us alone can hope to overcome it. If we wish to reach the Bodhi Tree, we must unite and face the tide together!"
"Otherwise, we can only look upon the Bodhi Tree from afar, helpless. What say you, my friends?"
His words left the platform in silence. Everyone present was a seasoned expert, wary of potential traps in such alliances.
"You're absolutely right," Nine Phoenix of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan suddenly chimed in. "If we don't want to return empty handed, we must join forces. Otherwise… we'll either retreat in disgrace or perish in the tide!"
"Ha ha, many thanks, Brother Nine Phoenix!" Hun Mo bowed slightly, pleased to see someone openly support his proposal.
Nine Phoenix nodded in return. He had seen that pale faced pretty boy, Lu Bu, cozying up to the Gu Clan. While he wasn't afraid of Lu Bu's small group, the addition of the Gu Clan complicated matters. If Lu Bu had allies, then so must he. And the Soul Clan made the perfect partners.
"Rest assured, everyone," Hun Mo declared. "This alliance is temporary. There will be no hierarchy or distinctions between us. Our sole objective is to break through the beast tide!"
"I agree with Brother Hun Mo. Our Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan will join the charge!" Nine Phoenix added.
"Ha ha… And what of our friends from the Yao Clan?" Hun Mo asked, shifting his gaze to another corner of the platform.
From the Yao Clan's side, Yao Ling glanced at the elders accompanying her. After seeing their nods of approval, she spoke in a clear, melodious voice: "We shall follow your lead."
Her voice, as sweet as pearls falling on jade, was entrancing and soothing.
With the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Yao Clan on board, the other factions quickly cast aside their reservations and voiced their agreement.
"Brother Hun Mo speaks wisely!"
"We stand no chance alone."
"Let's give it a try!"
On the Gu Clan's side, the group remained silent, allowing Hun Mo to lead the charge. Their objective was the same reaching the Bodhi Ancient Tree. For now, it didn't matter who led the way.
A faint smile spread across Hun Mo's face as he realized his plan had succeeded.
"Master, what should we do?" Qing Lin whispered as she clung to Lu Bu.
Feigning frailty, she claimed she wasn't feeling well and clung to Lu Bu, much to the displeasure of Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian, who glared daggers at her. Qing Lin, however, buried her face in Lu Bu's embrace, pretending not to notice. After all, she was hurt, small, and pitiful surely a hug was justified!
"He's not wrong, but there are too many people…" Lu Bu rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
In the original story, Hun Yu had made a similar proposal, but Xiao Yan's group had ignored it, using the chaos to sneak through the beast tide. This strategy had caused heavy casualties among the others.
Among those gathered, there were many lower level Dou Zuns, Dou Zongs, or even Dou Huangs forces essentially useless against the beast tide. Lu Bu wasn't some saint dedicated to saving the world, but if he could lend a hand to those weaker cultivators, he wouldn't hesitate, especially if it meant suppressing the arrogance of the Soul Clan.
"In that case, everyone, prepare to move!" Hun Mo's powerful voice rang out, his words echoing across the Ancient Domain Platform. "It's high noon, the time when these beasts are at their laziest…"
"Hold on!"
Suddenly, a calm voice reverberated as if it spoke directly into everyone's soul, instantly pulling them out of their excitement.
"What powerful soul strength…" Yao Ling's beautiful eyes narrowed as she turned her gaze toward Lu Bu, her eyes sparkling with interest.
Among her peers, aside from her elder brother, this was the first person whose soul strength surpassed her own.
"What do you mean by this?" Hun Mo narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice cold as he looked at Lu Bu.
"I have a few pieces of information to share," Lu Bu said, ignoring Hun Mo and speaking directly to the crowd. "The Bodhi Ancient Tree has a habit of turning people into puppets. Around it, there are at least five puppets, each at the Half Saint level or higher!"
"What!?"
His words set off a wave of shock. Countless people turned pale. Half Saint puppets? Even legendary Half Saints had fallen prey to the Bodhi Ancient Tree? And there were five of them?
"Don't doubt me," Lu Bu continued calmly. "One of these Half Saints is actually an ancestor of the Soul Clan. If you don't believe me, you can ask your esteemed alliance leader, Hun Mo."
Swish!
In an instant, countless gazes locked onto Hun Mo, who was floating in midair. Even members of the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, the Yao Clan, and the Gu Clan were now staring at him.
After all, this alliance was his idea. If there was a problem, he couldn't just shirk responsibility!
Damn it… Hun Mo clenched his fists, rage boiling within him as he resisted the urge to tear Lu Bu to shreds.
"This guy isn't simple…" A faint black light flickered in Hun Mei's clear eyes as she spoke softly.
"Ke ke… This time, I will definitely kill him!" The Third Heavenly Venerate chuckled coldly, black mist swirling in his hand as fierce, menacing beast heads formed within it.
"Heh… What my friend here says is true!" Under the pressure of the crowd's stares, Hun Mo was forced to respond, smiling brightly on the surface while internally seething. "Our clan did have a Half Saint ancestor who sought the Bodhi Ancient Tree. He disappeared without a trace."
His words caused even greater uproar among the crowd. So it was true a Half Saint had indeed fallen to the Bodhi Ancient Tree?
"Therefore, anyone below the level of a five star Dou Zun should stay put," Lu Bu continued. "If even Half Saints have been turned into puppets, what makes you think you'll survive?
"If even the bloodlines of Dou Di have been turned into puppets, what makes you think you're the exception?"
Thud, thud!
His words struck like thunder, shattering countless people's illusions. They sat down heavily, their strength and resolve utterly drained.
Lu Bu's blunt and merciless words obliterated their fantasies. Before the Bodhi Ancient Tree, Half Saints were not "chosen ones." Neither were imperial bloodlines. And certainly not ordinary Dou Zuns, Dou Zongs, or Dou Huangs.
Though they didn't want to admit it, they knew he was right.
"Alliance leader, please proceed." With a faint smile, Lu Bu graciously handed the platform back to Hun Mo.
"Prepare to depart!" Hun Mo shouted through gritted teeth, scanning the disheartened crowd. He already knew: very few cannon fodder would be joining this expedition.
Moreover, among the five star Dou Zuns and above, who wasn't a cunning, seasoned veteran? They wouldn't allow themselves to be so easily exploited.
As expected, after his command, only about two to three hundred Dou Zuns took to the air each one a formidable expert. Meanwhile, the remaining thousand plus cultivators stayed behind, sighing in disappointment.
Among the lower level Dou Zuns and Dou Zongs, there were many who still wanted to join. But upon seeing the powerful auras of the high level Dou Zuns and Transformation level Dou Zuns, they knew they'd only end up as cannon fodder.
With that thought, they dared not take another step forward.
Hun Mo's fists tightened as rage flickered in his eyes. His grand plan had been completely ruined by Lu Bu!
"Oh, by the way, since this alliance was your idea, why don't you lead the charge, Alliance Leader?" Lu Bu said, smirking.
"Yes, this friend is absolutely right!"
"Exactly! With your unparalleled strength and extraordinary leadership, you're the perfect candidate to take the lead!"
"Nonsense! The alliance leader is a genius of the Soul Clan, born with exceptional talent. How could he back out now?"
"Indeed! Are you implying that the Soul Clan's reputation is worthless? Such insolence!"
Afraid that Hun Mo might refuse, representatives from various factions chimed in with flattery and persuasion. These old foxes clearly understood Lu Bu's intentions, and their praise only served to push Hun Mo further into a corner.
"Haha, Lu Bu is truly remarkable!" The Gu Clan's members exchanged amused glances, watching with schadenfreude as Hun Mo was forced into an impossible situation.
Now, Hun Mo was stuck. If he dared to refuse…
Gu Qingyang, Gu Yao, and the others exchanged glances, their eyes gleaming with excitement and murderous intent. If Hun Mo backed down, they'd seize the moment to rally the crowd and eliminate the Soul Clan members on the spot.
Today, Hun Mo would lead the charge whether he liked it or not.
If he didn't, they'd strike him down first.
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan, who had previously supported Hun Mo, now watched coldly from the sidelines, showing no concern for their ally's predicament.
The Soul Clan members clenched their fists, their anger palpable, but they had no choice. Their target was the Bodhi Ancient Tree crossing the beast tide was their only option.
"Move out!" Hun Mo growled through gritted teeth. He cast a venomous glare at Lu Bu before leading the Soul Clan members into the beast tide.
"Let's go!" The two to three hundred Dou Zuns shouted, following the Soul Clan's lead as they charged into the beast tide.
"Shall we?" Lu Bu said with a light chuckle, turning to his companions.
"Understood!" Qing Lin giggled mischievously. Her eyes flashed with green light, and the colossal, several hundred meter long Ancient Heavenly Demon Python appeared once more, its fierce and brutal aura eliciting screams from onlookers.
"Heavenly Netherworld Poison Realm open!"
From atop the python's head, Xiao Yi Xian formed hand seals, releasing a thick white mist that engulfed the serpent's massive body.
"Damn it, move away it's poison!"
"It's deadly poison!"
As the mist spread, the people near Lu Bu scattered like frightened cats, screaming in panic.
"A five star Heavenly Demon Python… and a three star Poison Realm… Damn, these two women are terrifying!"
"This poison is so potent, even we'd die if we touched it!"
"With such powerful defenses, the beast tide won't be able to touch them!"
"Damn it, that pretty boy Lu Bu has it so easy just sitting there while these two carry him through!"
"He's just a kept pretty boy!"
"Exactly, just a freeloading pretty boy. Let's find a chance to take him out."
"I'm so jealous!"
The crowd watched the enormous python shrouded in poison mist and the figure of Lu Bu sitting idly atop it. Their gazes were filled with envy and resentment.
Everyone was struggling to survive the beast tide so why did he get to ride in comfort?
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