Chapter 189: Emperor Seal Technique: Triple Stacked Seals
The Bone Spirit Ring on Xiao Yan's finger trembled faintly as Yao Lao's ethereal figure emerged from it. His body was shrouded in white flames, one half radiating extreme cold, the other extreme heat a peculiar and terrifying combination.
In the sky above, Su Qian's eyes narrowed. As expected, it was Yao Zun zhe (Venerable Yao). He had once seen this figure in a portrait during his youth while traveling the continent. Back then, he was insignificant, akin to an ant. But now, he was a four star Dou Zong, while Yao Lao was nothing more than a fragmented soul.
"That's… Venerable Yao?" The Black Abyss Army soldiers from the Gu Clan froze for a moment. So Xiao Yan had a hidden soul entity guiding him all along. No wonder a declining clan like the Xiao Clan could produce a Dou Wang; it turned out that Venerable Yao was supporting him from behind the scenes.
"When are we making a move?" Su Qian asked. By himself, he couldn't handle two Heaven ranked Protectors, especially while protecting Xiao Yan, Elder Ge, and the other five people.
"No rush, let them play for a bit," Lu Bu snorted coldly. He didn't mind letting Xiao Yan suffer some hardship. After all, with him here, there was no danger to their lives.
Gu Zhen and Gu Luan chuckled softly without objection. They had witnessed Lu Bu's strength, but they hadn't yet seen Xiao Yan's full capabilities.
In truth, Gu Zhen and Gu Luan were more curious about Xiao Yan than Lu Bu. They had often heard stories from their elders about the Xiao Clan's former glory and the strength of its people.
Naturally, a sense of unwillingness to acknowledge them remained. So, seeing Xiao Yan, the only member of the Xiao Clan worth noting, they were quite curious to see how capable this young man could be.
"Jie jie jie jie… Yao Chen, let's see where you'll run this time!" Wu Ma Protector and Shen Tu Protector let out a thunderous laugh, their four crimson eyes glowing like lanterns in the night.
As expected, all our guesses were correct! What a massive haul!
"Teacher, why did you come out?" Xiao Yan's expression changed drastically. Yao Lao had warned him repeatedly that the Hall of Souls possessed special methods to restrain soul entities. Fighting against them required the help of Heavenly Flames or a host body.
"Attack with everything you have!" Yao Lao's voice was low and firm as he waved his hand. Spiraling lines of white fire shot out in five directions, striking the chains binding Elder Ge and the other four Dou Wang mentors from Jia Nan Academy.
"Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations!"
Xiao Yan roared, as crimson and deep blue flames erupted from his body. The aura of a three star Dou Wang skyrocketed, surging all the way into the Dou Huang realm in an instant.
"Ah…" Gu Luan's pretty face showed a hint of surprise. He's able to temporarily reach a level comparable to mine just by relying on the power of the Heavenly Flames.
"Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations…" Gu Zhen's gaze flickered. "If I recall correctly, this technique originated from the Burning Flame Valley. But I've never heard of it being this powerful."
"It must be because he possesses two Heavenly Flames," Gu Luan said in amazement.
"Tsk tsk… Seems like there's more to this Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations than we thought," Gu Luan added, intrigued.
"Hmm?" Lu Bu shot them a puzzled glance. "This Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations was created by Xiao Xuan. Didn't you guys know that?"
"What?" Gu Zhen and Gu Luan were stunned. Xiao Xuan created it? They genuinely didn't know!
The name Xiao Xuan was one they were very familiar with a near mythical figure who had attempted to break through to the Dou Di realm within the past few millennia. Though he ultimately failed, his status as a peak expert made him a revered figure, idolized by many of the Gu Clan's younger talents.
"Who's Xiao Xuan?" Su Qian was equally shocked. He suddenly felt like an uninformed old man, utterly clueless about the conversation happening around him.
"A peak nine star Dou Sheng," Lu Bu explained nonchalantly, waving his hand dismissively. "He lived a few millennia ago and attempted to become a Dou Di but failed. He's one of Xiao Yan's ancestors."
Su Qian's mouth dropped open, his eyes widening. He looked exactly as he did when he first learned about the existence of Dou Zong experts during his early cultivation days. Hearing such ancient secrets for the first time was truly an eye opener.
And why did this kid, Lu Bu, sound so casual about such an incredible topic?
"How do you even know about this?" Gu Zhen's eyes widened in disbelief. He felt his usual calm demeanor crumble in Lu Bu's presence. He'd already lost count of how many times he had been taken aback today.
"Not only do I know this," Lu Bu said with a faint smirk, "but I also know about the alliance between the Gu Clan and the Xiao Clan, as well as how certain members of your clan have been eyeing Xiao Xuan's tomb."
"…"
Gu Zhen and Gu Luan fell silent, their faces stiff. They chuckled awkwardly and chose not to pursue the topic further. It was, after all, an embarrassing subject especially when an outsider knew about it.
Boom!
The crimson Beast Flame and deep blue Sea Heart Flame surged into the sky as Xiao Yan's entire body became shrouded in flames. With the Xuan Heavy Ruler in hand, he swung it fiercely toward a void in the air.
Clang!
The black chains collided violently with the heavy ruler, producing a deafening explosion. The resulting shockwave stirred up a wild gale, scattering sand and stones in all directions.
Thud thud thud!
Xiao Yan staggered back several steps. His already flushed face turned blood red. Against Heaven ranked Protectors, high level Dou Zong experts, being able to withstand a single attack with his Dou Wang cultivation was already remarkable.
"Jie jie jie jie… Not bad, kid. You didn't fall in one hit," Shen Tu Protector sneered. Black mist swirled around the chains in his hands, slithering like venomous serpents. The tips of the chains gleamed with a bone chilling light.
Meanwhile, Wu Ma Protector's chains morphed into spears as the black mist surged around him. In just a moment, Yao Lao was overwhelmed and forced into a defensive position. Had it not been for Wu Ma Protector's wariness of the Bone Chilling Flame, Yao Lao would have already been defeated in a single exchange.
"Xiao Yan, run!" Yao Lao's sharp voice pierced through the air. His dignified demeanor had vanished entirely. The moment he clashed with the protectors, he realized how hopeless the situation was. Escape was their only option.
"…" Xiao Yan bit his lip, his eyes red with frustration. He couldn't leave. He couldn't abandon his teacher and flee.
"Jie jie jie… Do you think you can escape?" Shen Tu Protector sneered.
"Yao Chen, you still have the strength to talk?!" Wu Ma Protector mocked coldly, shaking his chains.
Clang!
With a harsh metallic clang, the chains, shrouded in black mist and runes, shot forward and pierced through the Bone Chilling Flame barrier, striking Yao Lao's soul body.
The Bone Chilling Flame roared and swirled as Yao Lao let out a loud cry, slashing downward with his flame imbued hand.
Clang!
Wu Ma Protector's chains were severed, forcing Yao Lao to retreat. His once solid soul body now appeared faint and illusory.
"Elder Ge, protect me!" Xiao Yan roared, his bloodshot eyes burning with determination. Stretching his hands forward, he summoned three flames of different colors: crimson Beast Flame, deep blue Sea Heart Flame, and the pale white Bone Chilling Flame. Yao Lao had left him a sliver of its essence, and it was more than enough.
Seeing Xiao Yan's posture, Elder Ge realized he was preparing a powerful Dou Technique. Without hesitation, he roared and led the other four Dou Wang mentors forward to engage Shen Tu Protector.
"Jie jie jie… A group of ants," Shen Tu Protector sneered, shaking his chain. "Get lost!"
Xiao Yan, drenched in sweat, pressed his hands together. The three flames fused into one, producing an explosive crackling sound. At the same time, a three colored wolf head began to take shape, radiating an overwhelming aura.
"What a terrifying Dou Technique!" Gu Luan's face turned serious. She couldn't tell if it could defeat a Heaven ranked Protector, but she knew it would certainly be enough to defeat her.
Gu Zhen's expression was equally grave. This single strike could rival his most powerful attack, and Xiao Yan was only a three star Dou Wang, whereas Gu Zhen was already a three star Dou Huang.
"This brat... still so adept at fusing Heavenly Flames," Lu Bu muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching. If it wasn't a fire lotus, it was a fire wolf; and if it wasn't a fire wolf, there would surely be something else.
BOOM!
A deafening explosion echoed through the forest below. A terrifying wave of flames surged forward, rolling and sweeping across the area. In an instant, the lush green forest was reduced to a barren wasteland. From the sky, the once vivid green was replaced by a desolate, dusty yellow.
Trees were uprooted and thrown into the distance. Smoke and dust filled the air, and at the center of the devastation, a massive crater appeared. Deep cracks spread out from its center like a spiderweb, radiating terror.
Su Qian's eyelids twitched. This kid… Even I wouldn't be able to block that strike easily.
"So... strong!" The soldiers of the Black Abyss Army gaped in shock. Most of them were Dou Wang in rank, but not one of them could individually unleash such a terrifying attack.
Gu Luan and Gu Zhen exchanged glances. As expected of someone from the Xiao Clan, truly extraordinary!
Among those of the same rank and age, it was likely no one could rival him. He might be peerless in his generation.
"Tch…" Lu Bu looked at the smoke filled scene below and slowly shook his head. There was plenty of smoke but little damage. It seemed Xiao Yan's attempt at fusing Heavenly Flames had accomplished little.
As expected, when the breeze blew the smoke away, the two Soul Hall Protectors were still floating leisurely in the air. Apart from their black mist becoming slightly thinner, they appeared unharmed.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, while Yao Lao's form grew even fainter. The five Dou Wang elders, including Elder Ge, were visibly exhausted.
"Not bad, kid. You've got some skill," Shen Tu Protector sneered. "But unfortunately, in the face of absolute power, your tricks are meaningless!"
"Damn it…" Xiao Yan's face paled. Only now did he realize that these two Protectors were far superior to the likes of Xuan Protector or Wu Protector in terms of raw power.
"Enough games. It's time… to send you on your way," Shen Tu Protector said coldly. The black mist trembled as chains shot forward, aimed directly at Xiao Yan's throat.
Such a powerful enemy could not be left alive. If a tiger was allowed to escape, it would surely come back to haunt them.
"Damn it… Xun'er, it seems I won't be able to live up to your hopes…"
As the sharp chains closed in, Xiao Yan's heart filled with sorrow. Images of Xiao Xun'er's gentle smile, Nalan Yanran's serene expression, and Xiao Yu's fiery glare and her long legs flashed through his mind.
CLANG!
Just then, a fierce gust of wind swept in, colliding with the chains.
SHH!
The chain grazed Xiao Yan's cheek, leaving a thin trail of blood.
"Who dares interfere with the Soul Hall's affairs?" Shen Tu Protector roared.
Xiao Yan, equally puzzled, wondered who could possibly come to his aid in this dire situation.
"Xiao Clan's Xiao Yan, at your service!"
Before Xiao Yan could figure it out, a familiar and infuriating voice rang out from above, once again using his name.
Forcing his eyes open, Xiao Yan saw a figure with wings of cyan fire gracefully descending.
And there it was Lu Bu's handsome face.
The corner of Xiao Yan's mouth twitched as he felt a mix of relief and exasperation, coupled with some guilt. Did this guy figure out I'd been using his name?
SWISH!
In a flash, Su Qian appeared alongside Yao Lao, standing shoulder to shoulder with him. The aura of a four star Dou Zong radiated outward, opposing Wu Ma Protector.
"Formation!" Gu Luan shouted. The descending Black Abyss Army instantly formed a battle formation, their auras connecting and intertwining. Together, they became a unified whole, like an indomitable spear aimed at the heavens.
"The Black Abyss Army?!" Shen Tu Protector and Wu Ma Protector exclaimed. Seeing the winged, armored soldiers descending atop Four Winged Unicorns, their crimson eyes narrowed sharply before…
Wait, aren't these Black Abyss Army soldiers kind of weak?
Sensing their auras, Shen Tu and Wu Ma Protectors exchanged a glance, their eyes suddenly lighting up. Things might not be so bad after all!
A group of Dou Wang and Dou Huang fighters, along with a single four star Dou Zong?
Jie jie jie jie… This battle is ours!
Elated, the two Heaven ranked Protectors let out triumphant howls. Not only could they capture Yao Lao, but they could also eliminate two squads of the Black Abyss Army as well.
"Black Abyss Army…" Xiao Yan's expression stiffened. His impression of this group was far from favorable, especially regarding those two commanders, Yang Hao and Ling Quan, who were supposedly part of this Black Abyss Army.
Oh, and Lu Bu too. He was also one of their commanders.
"I'll handle the Black Abyss Army. You keep chasing Yao Lao!" Shen Tu Protector called to Wu Ma Protector. With a loud shout, black chains shot upward from the mist like swords, aiming for the airborne soldiers.
Gu Luan bellowed orders, summoning a spear of Dou Qi that materialized in her hands. As she thrust it forward, its aura surged upward, nearly reaching the Dou Zong level in an instant.
BOOM!
A thunderous clash echoed in the sky as Shen Tu Protector's chains were severed in an instant. The impact caused the Black Abyss Army to tremble, but they stood firm, their formation unbroken. They surged forward with unstoppable momentum.
"Impressive!" Lu Bu's eyes gleamed with surprise. This combined attack formation could fuse the power of all its members, allowing for an explosive burst strong enough to stand toe to toe with a Heaven ranked Protector.
"If we didn't have some tricks up our sleeves, how could we dare to openly hunt down Soul Hall Protectors?" Gu Zhen remarked.
"Lu Bu, leave this to us. You and Su Qian handle the other Protector. Once we're done here, we'll come assist you," Gu Zhen said, his expression turning serious as his hands flew through a series of seals. A pale blue glow began to emanate from his palms as a terrifying wave of Dou Qi surged forth.
Lu Bu's expression turned odd. He recognized this technique. The Emperor Seal Technique, huh?
"Mountain Crushing Seal!" Gu Zhen roared, his left palm striking forward as a massive crystal seal of energy floated in front of him.
Gu Zhen's expression remained steady as his hands formed another intricate series of seals. Sweat began to bead on his forehead, and the pale blue glow of his energy grew brighter and more intense.
"Sea Flipping Seal!"
As Gu Zhen shouted, the Sea Flipping Seal fused into the earlier Mountain Crushing Seal.
"Gu Zhen, are you done yet?" Gu Luan called out impatiently. She could keep fighting, but the soldiers might not hold out much longer. They weren't all of equal strength, after all.
Gu Zhen didn't reply, his focus entirely on his seals. The blue energy around him surged like a storm, while beads of sweat trickled down his face.
"Let me handle it!" Lu Bu shook his head, looking exasperated. Just watching Gu Zhen was exhausting.
"Mountain Crushing Seal!"
"Sea Flipping Seal!"
"Earth Suppressing Seal!"
Lu Bu shouted as his hands moved fluidly. In an instant, three massive, cyan energy seals fused together.
The blinding brilliance of the fused seal radiated a terrifying aura, causing Wu Ma and Shen Tu Protectors to recoil in shock.
"What… What is this?"
Meanwhile, Gu Zhen froze mid motion, dumbfounded. He stared at the fully formed three layered seal in front of Lu Bu. Since when was the Emperor Seal Technique this easy? You just clap your hands and shout, and it's done?
Without a word, Lu Bu vanished, reappearing above Shen Tu Protector. The massive, glowing seal slammed downward with devastating force.
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