Chapter 186: Lu Bu: Master of the Peak, Dominating the World, Where I Exist, There is Heaven!
Yao Chen. This was a man known as the continent's foremost alchemist, an eighth tier pinnacle alchemist who had once refined a dazzling nine colored eighth tier pill. With his cultivation at the pinnacle of Dou Zun, he was only one step away from becoming a legendary ninth tier alchemy grandmaster.
Becoming a ninth tier alchemist required not only a high level of soul strength and mastery of alchemy but also a cultivation base above Dou Sheng. Yao Chen, restricted by this limitation, had long sought to attain the ninth tier but to no avail.
And this was precisely why the Soul Hall targeted him.
A Dou Sheng level combatant was simply too critical. The Hun Clan, now preparing for a war of extermination against the Ling Clan, could not spare the energy to contend with another Dou Sheng.
Don't think wiping out the Ling Clan was easy… well, alright, it actually was.
But while destroying the Ling Clan was simple, doing so without alerting the Gu Clan and the other four great clans was the real challenge. This stealth was what made the war of extermination difficult.
In such a scenario, dividing their attention to deal with a Dou Sheng level opponent introduced too much uncertainty. A single misstep could ruin everything, and the Hun Clan could not afford such a risk.
However, dealing with a Dou Zun level opponent was a different story. Among the nine Heavenly Sovereigns of the Soul Hall, even the weakest, the Ninth Sovereign, had strength equal to the pinnacle of Dou Zun, putting them on par with Yao Chen.
The Soul Hall fully understood Yao Chen's value as an alchemist. With his assistance, the Hun Clan's millennia long plan would see a massive leap in progress.
Thus, the Hun Clan was determined to subdue Yao Chen. But no one expected Yao Chen to have such a strong backbone or such overwhelming strength. Even with an inside betrayal and the full might of the Soul Hall descending upon him, he still managed to retaliate.
In a desperate counterattack, Yao Chen not only thwarted the Soul Hall's plans but also abandoned his physical body to escape as a pure soul, disappearing without a trace.
Yao Chen's extensive connections across the continent ensured that the Soul Hall's failure to capture him left them fully exposed to the scrutiny of all major factions in the Central Plains.
Combined with previous grievances and old rivalries, the Soul Hall decided to abandon secrecy altogether, directly opposing the Alchemist Association led by the Pill Tower. This open conflict gave rise to the infamous structure: "One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Factions."
The Hun Clan's desire for alchemists influenced the Soul Hall, and the Soul Hall's obsession with capturing Yao Chen trickled down to its regional branches and Protectors.
These Protectors and ordinary Elders didn't know the full scope of the Hun Clan's millennia long ambitions, but they did understand one thing capturing Yao Chen's soul would be a monumental achievement.
Anyone who succeeded in delivering Yao Chen to the Soul Hall would undoubtedly receive the Elder's recognition and untold rewards, possibly even regaining a physical body.
As they considered this, the two Soul Hall Protectors, hidden in the shadows, grew visibly excited. Their crimson eyes glowed brighter, and the black mist surrounding them roiled uncontrollably.
Such a discovery would surely earn recognition if reported to their superiors. But… that wasn't enough for them. They wanted more.
They wanted to go straight for the jackpot: to capture Yao Chen's soul and bring it directly to the Soul Hall themselves. They also sought to uncover the mystery behind Protector Xuan's disappearance. Two birds with one stone.
Success in this endeavor would undoubtedly restore their physical forms. They had long grown tired of their incorporeal, mist like existence and craved the sensation of truly living as humans once more.
"Heh heh heh… what a gift from the heavens, Protector Wuma."
"A missed opportunity would be a crime… Protector Shentu, our chance has come!"
"We must be extremely cautious. We cannot expose our identities or alert our target prematurely. Everything must be meticulously verified before we strike like thunder."
"Agreed! We cannot afford to make a mistake. Failure would not only mean losing Yao Chen but also facing the Elder's wrath."
"Continue luring out members of Jia Nan Academy. We need to investigate thoroughly. Once we confirm our target, we won't hesitate even if it means going to war with Jia Nan Academy!"
Protector Shentu's voice was resolute. Capturing Yao Chen's soul was non negotiable, even if it meant slaughtering everyone at Jia Nan Academy.
Elsewhere, at the site of the ambush
Led by a Dou Huang Elder, a group from Jia Nan Academy arrived to investigate.
The ambushed group had been a patrol squad from the Enforcement Team. They had been preparing to attack a minor faction but were suddenly enveloped in black mist as they passed through the forest. Following a brief skirmish, the students were left unconscious, their possessions looted, while the two Dou Wang mentors leading the group went missing.
A Dou Wang wasn't just an ordinary individual in the Black Corner Region; they were considered formidable powerhouses, and their abductions weren't uncommon in the past. Captured Dou Wangs were often poisoned, forced to consume pills, or subjected to other forms of control, turning them into pawns for other factions.
Those who couldn't be controlled were simply sold off. In the Black Corner Region, anything could be bought and sold even Dou Wangs.
This practice was prevalent until Jia Nan Academy unleashed its wrath, razing factions in a bloody, fiery purge that sent a clear warning to all.
No one expected such incidents to resurface so soon after the Black Alliance's collapse. This audacity could not be tolerated. Allowing it would undo all their previous efforts.
In the forest, Xiao Yan and four other Dou Wang mentors carefully combed through the scene. Meanwhile, the Dou Huang Elder hovered above, maintaining vigilance. Whoever had subdued two Dou Wangs wasn't an ordinary opponent.
Jia Nan Academy, as a prominent force, attracted envious and hostile gazes from all directions. Vigilance was critical.
"There's something here!" Xiao Yan's voice broke the silence.
The group immediately moved to his side.
Xiao Yan's sharp gaze fixed on a patch of grass. Gently parting the blades, he revealed a droplet of dark red blood nestled among the dense roots. The blood, sticky and nearly coagulated, suggested it had been there for some time.
As a skilled alchemist with formidable soul strength, Xiao Yan could discern details others might overlook. His current Dou Wang cultivation allowed him to refine fifth tier pills, though with limited success. Still, few aside from Lu Bu would dare challenge his self proclaimed title of fifth tier alchemist.
Dipping his finger into the blood, Xiao Yan examined it closely. "Teacher, what do you think? What kind of enemy are we dealing with?"
The attackers had cleaned the scene meticulously. If not for his heightened soul perception, this bloodstain might never have been found.
"I can't say for sure… Be careful," Yao Lao's voice carried a heavy tone. "Xiao Yan, there's something off here. I sense a chilling aura. It's… unsettling."
Xiao Yan's brows furrowed as unease crept into his heart. For his teacher to express discomfort, the adversary must be formidable.
"Let me try something." One of the mentors stepped forward, dipped his finger into the blood, and activated his unique tracking technique. A faint red light emerged, shooting off in a specific direction.
"His cultivation method is specialized for tracking," another mentor explained to Xiao Yan.
"I see," Xiao Yan said with a polite nod, though he felt increasingly uneasy. Yao Lao's warning loomed large in his mind, but he had no idea who the enemy might be or even where to start looking.
"I guess we'll have to move carefully and take things one step at a time," he thought grimly.
With his two Heavenly Flames, the Skyfire Three Mysterious Change, and the ability to temporarily unleash Dou Huang level power in emergencies, Xiao Yan wasn't afraid of a fight. If pushed, he could even fuse his flames for a trump card strong enough to challenge a Dou Zong.
But despite his strength, Lu Bu's monstrous talent overshadowed him. This realization made Xiao Yan exhale in frustration before focusing his resolve.
"Let's go! I want to see which bold fool dared to target Jia Nan Academy!" The Dou Huang Elder roared as he led the charge in the direction of the blood trail.
The Dou Wang mentors around burst into laughter and followed suit, unaware of anything amiss.
...
Above Jia Nan Academy, high above the clouds, a squad of the Black Submerged Army rode their majestic four winged unicorns, gazing down at the Inner Academy below.
"Second Commander, why are we here…?" Gu Luan asked, puzzled. As a member of the Gu Clan, she inevitably bore some of their common traits like arrogance.
Aside from the forces directly nurtured by the Gu Clan, Gu Luan couldn't help but look down on most other factions. Even the renowned powers of the Central Plains, save for the Pill Tower and the Soul Hall, hardly impressed her. And this Jia Nan Academy? Certainly no exception.
"Jia Nan Academy was founded by Mang Tian Chi," Gu Zhen replied casually.
"Mang Tian Chi?" Gu Luan paused for a moment before realization dawned on her. "Oh, I remember now. That crazy old man from the Lei Clan."
"To think he actually established an academy," she added, her expression turning peculiar. She recalled her encounter with Mang Tian Chi during a battle with a dark race. Initially treating him with the respect due to a senior, she was blindsided by his utter lack of decorum. He treated her like a peer, even going so far as to joke that if she were a man, he'd insist on becoming sworn brothers with her.
Gu Luan sighed. She had tried her best to show respect for this elder, but Mang Tian Chi's eccentricity made it an impossible feat. It wasn't her fault; how could she show reverence for someone who outright rejected it?
"We need the help of local forces to track the Soul Hall Protectors," Gu Zhen explained.
"You've got a point." Gu Luan chuckled. "With their assistance, things will certainly be more convenient."
Gu Zhen gave her a curious glance. Why the sudden shift in attitude? She'd just been looking down on this place a moment ago.
"Oh, right!" Gu Luan suddenly clapped her hands together as if recalling something exciting. "The last time we came here to fetch Miss Xun'er, it was Yang Hao and Ling Quan, wasn't it?"
"They got into a bit of conflict with that Xiao Yan kid. If we show up now… hehe…"
Gu Zhen felt a headache coming on. More gossip? Couldn't she focus on the mission for once? Forget it, I'll handle things myself, he thought.
Gu Zhen's expression grew serious, and a powerful aura began to emanate from him.
Gu Luan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in her gaze. "Three star Dou Huang," she murmured, impressed. Gu Zhen's strength was already on par with their First Commander, Gu Yao. How powerful!
If it weren't for the slight difference in their bloodline quality, Gu Zhen's accomplishments wouldn't be any less than those of the other Commanders.
Swoosh!
At that moment, a figure appeared before Gu Zhen and Gu Luan, exuding a fierce and imposing aura.
"Four star Dou Zong…" Gu Luan nodded subtly, acknowledging the newcomer's strength. In the northwest region, such power was enough to mark someone as a major force.
"Grand Elder Su Qian, I am Gu Zhen, the Second Commander of the Black Submerged Army," Gu Zhen introduced himself with a friendly smile, cupping his fists politely. It was his nature to be affable, though part of it was also due to the favor he was seeking.
"So, it's Commander Gu Zhen," Su Qian responded gravely. He had recognized their identities as soon as he spotted the four winged unicorns. However, his impressions of the Black Submerged Army were far from favorable.
The last time Yang Hao and Ling Quan were here, their arrogance had been palpable. If it weren't for his own strength as an elder, they might have already caused trouble.
"What brings Commander Gu Zhen to our academy?" Su Qian asked after a moment's silence.
With Xiao Xun'er already taken away, Su Qian assumed any ties between the Gu Clan and Jia Nan Academy had long since ended. This unexpected visit warranted caution. Although his cultivation had improved recently, facing the Gu Clan would still be like an ant trying to stop a cart.
"The Soul Hall has recently sent two Heavenly Protectors to the Black Corner Region. Their whereabouts are currently unknown…" Gu Zhen began, but before he could finish, Su Qian's expression darkened.
"What did you just say?!" Su Qian exclaimed, his voice tinged with shock.
Only recently, they had eliminated a Di Protector, and now two Heavenly Protectors had arrived? There was no way this wasn't connected.
"Uh… Grand Elder Su Qian, why are you reacting so strongly?" Gu Luan asked, confused. "They're just Heavenly Protectors. Why the fuss? It's not like they're asking you to take them on."
"A short while ago, a Protector named Xuan met his end at our hands," Su Qian explained. Midway through his explanation, however, his eyes narrowed sharply as he recalled the report about the missing mentors.
Could it be… the enemy had already begun to move?
A heavy weight settled in Su Qian's chest. This was bad.
Gu Zhen and Gu Luan's expressions shifted as well. It was now clear that the two Heavenly Protectors' presence was directly tied to the death of Protector Xuan.
"Tsk… this is troublesome," Gu Zhen muttered, his face darkening. Having dealt with the Soul Hall for years, he knew they wouldn't let this slide. It was evident that Jia Nan Academy was being targeted. The difficulty lay in the fact that the enemy was in the shadows while they were out in the open.
Su Qian's mind raced. Trusting the Black Submerged Army for this life and death struggle wasn't an option. They were allies in name only, and their cooperation had never been tested.
Drawing a deep breath, Su Qian unleashed his aura. Powerful waves of energy surged forth like a rolling tide.
"Grand Elder Su Qian, what are you doing?" Gu Zhen frowned, displeased by the lack of communication. While they hadn't intended to hide their presence, Su Qian's sudden display of force irked him.
"Calling someone," Su Qian replied grimly. "The one who dealt with Protector Xuan."
Before his words had fully faded, faint rumbles of thunder filled the air. A shadow flickered across the horizon, and in the blink of an eye, Lu Bu appeared.
The Black Submerged Army's members froze in shock. Such speed!
"Grand Elder Su Qian, why are you flaring your Dou Qi for no reason?" Lu Bu asked, his tone puzzled. He had assumed an enemy was near, only to find the Black Submerged Army. Their four winged unicorns made their identities unmistakable.
"Oh, right," Lu Bu added with a grin. "I'm still technically the Black Submerged Army's Eighth Commander, aren't I?"
"Who are you?!" Gu Luan snapped, her tone sharp as her aura flared. Her one star Dou Huang energy pressed forward.
The other Black Submerged Army members followed suit, their own auras surging. To them, an unfamiliar face deserved no courtesy.
Lu Bu's grin widened. Letting out a deep laugh, he unleashed his Dou Wang peak aura. Though it couldn't completely suppress the Black Submerged Army, it was enough to shock them.
"Heh heh heh heh… Black Submerged Army, huh?" Lu Bu sneered, throwing his head back in laughter. "Master of the peak, ruler of the world where I, Xiao Yan, stand, there heaven reigns!"
"Remember this name, fools! I am Xiao Yan of the Xiao Clan!"
"Arrogant!"
Before Gu Zhen or Gu Luan could react, the majority of the Black Submerged Army members erupted in rage. It wasn't just Lu Bu's audacious words it was that cursed name: Xiao Yan.
(End of Chapter)
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