Chapter 211: In the Future, I'll Beat Your Kid Right in Front of You!
Black Mountain Fortress!
A piercing cry suddenly echoed through the skies above the fortress, and as the sound rang out, several powerful auras erupted in response, figures flashing into motion. Moments later, the Black Mountain Fortress Council Hall was filled with a heavy atmosphere as Yun Shan, Jia Xing Tian, the Snake People Tribe's Elder Yin Shi, and an old crone from the Poison Sect gathered, each wearing a grave expression.
"Teacher, what has happened?" Yun Yun asked, her green Dou Qi wings fluttering behind her as her delicate face betrayed her concern. The oppressive atmosphere compelled her to voice the question.
Among those present, only she dared speak so casually with Yun Shan.
"The Poison Sect has sent word. The Myriad Scorpion Gate has allied with the Falling Goose Empire and mobilized its entire force. They are currently en route to the frontlines. In three days, the entire Myriad Scorpion Gate will be on the battlefield," Yun Shan said, his voice heavy. He had fought Xie Bi Yan before and was deeply aware of how formidable the man was.
A four star Dou Zong like Xie Bi Yan was powerful enough to crush him. Last time, the Poison Sect's timely attack on the Myriad Scorpion Gate's vital locations had forced Xie Bi Yan to retreat. If not for that, Yun Shan would have had to sacrifice his life just to severely wound Yan Luo Tian while being surrounded by both enemies.
Against Xie Bi Yan… he had no chance of victory.
"What?!"
The words caused an uproar in the hall. Everyone was stunned. Didn't the Poison Sect say they would keep Xie Bi Yan in check? Why was he now moving so recklessly?
All eyes turned toward the old crone from the Poison Sect, searching for answers.
"The Myriad Scorpion Gate has abandoned its base in the Myriad Scorpion Mountains. All Dou Wangs and stronger fighters from their sect have mobilized and are currently advancing toward us," the old crone rasped, her voice grim. "Upon learning this, my lord immediately summoned the Poison Sect's Dou Wangs and Dou Huangs. They are already on their way."
Hearing this, the expressions in the hall eased somewhat. With reinforcements from the Poison Sect, they had a chance.
But it was still not enough. Xie Bi Yan was a four star Dou Zong with overwhelming power. They could hold out for a while but not indefinitely. They needed to find a way to bolster their forces!
"Elder Yin Shi, what about your queen?" Yun Yun asked, her gaze falling on the gray robed Snake People elder as Medusa crossed her mind.
That woman, along with Lu Bu, was likely still in the Jia Nan Academy. If they could just endure the Myriad Scorpion Gate and Falling Goose Empire's first wave of attacks until Medusa and Lu Bu returned, there was hope of turning the tide.
"I will immediately contact Her Majesty and request her return!" Elder Yin Shi replied with a grim expression.
The Myriad Scorpion Gate's full scale mobilization had caught them completely off guard, leaving no time to prepare. They had believed the stalemate would last longer, never expecting this sudden development.
"Contact the Snake People Tribe as well and have them retreat from the new territory immediately!" Yun Shan said sternly.
"Understood!" Elder Yin Shi agreed without hesitation.
When it came down to it, land could be regained, but the people were irreplaceable. As long as the tribe survived, there would always be a chance to rebuild.
Under Yin Shi's decisive orders, two urgent messages were sent out. Meanwhile, the forces within Black Mountain Fortress prepared for battle. If they lost this fight, all the progress made over the past year would be wiped out.
One year of hard fought gains would vanish overnight, and neither the Snake People Tribe, the Jia Ma Empire, nor the Yun Lan Sect could accept such an outcome.
More than that, it wasn't just about returning to square one surviving the coming battle was already uncertain.
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone, and the atmosphere in the council hall grew oppressive. This battle wasn't just a fight; it was a matter of life and death, of survival or extinction.
At that moment, Elder Yin Shi stumbled back into the hall, his face pale and his steps unsteady. Yet his voice was filled with joy as he shouted, "Her Majesty is already on her way back!"
Yun Shan and Yun Yun's faces lit up with delight. It seemed that Lu Bu was returning as well!
Jia Ma Empire, Zhen Gui Pass!
A massive gryphon appeared on the horizon, startling the tense troops stationed at Zhen Gui Pass. The sudden arrival triggered alarms, and in an instant, defensive formations were activated, and crossbows were aimed at the sky.
However, upon recognizing the gryphon as one of Jia Nan Academy's signature mounts, the soldiers heaved a sigh of relief. As the nearest gateway to the Black Corner Region, Zhen Gui Pass was frequently visited by Jia Nan Academy's recruitment teams, and the gryphons were a familiar sight.
"It's someone from Jia Nan Academy…" On top of the pass, an elderly man sighed in relief. The fortress usually had three Dou Wangs stationed here, but due to the escalating battles at Black Mountain Fortress, two had been sent away, leaving him as the sole defender.
If an enemy had attacked now, it would have been a disaster!
Still, he wondered why Jia Nan Academy would send someone here at this time. His brow furrowed, and he refrained from lowering the defenses entirely.
Just then, two figures descended from the gryphon, both bearing Dou Qi wings. The gryphon, its task complete, turned and flew back toward Jia Nan Academy.
The elder squinted at the two figures and was stunned. They were so young! For individuals to have Dou Qi wings, they must at least be Dou Wangs or Dou Huangs, yet these two were clearly just a young man and woman.
"Uncle Qiu, it's me, Nalan Yanran!" A clear and crisp voice called out, startling the elder further.
He hesitated for a moment before his expression shifted. "Nalan Yanran," the Yun Lan Sect's Young Sect Mistress. He had often visited her grandfather, Nalan Jie, and was naturally familiar with her.
After a brief pause, he ordered the defenses lowered and allowed the two to approach.
"Uncle Qiu, are you the only one here?" Nalan Yanran asked curiously as she and Xiao Yan landed atop the fortress.
Xiao Yan, whose spiritual strength was considerable, had already noticed the elder's presence before they arrived.
"Yes, Miss Yanran," the elder replied with a bitter smile. "The battles at Black Mountain Fortress are intense, so they've drawn nearly everyone else away. I'm the only one left here."
"Can you explain the current situation?" Xiao Yan asked, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
The elder glanced at Xiao Yan and was inwardly shocked. The young man radiated an aura that made even him, a seasoned Dou Wang, feel apprehensive. This youth's strength was clearly on par with his own!
"This is Xiao Yan, a three star Dou Wang and a fifth tier alchemist," Nalan Yanran introduced.
"Xiao Yan… the same Xiao Yan who won the Alchemist Conference?" The elder's expression twitched. He had wanted to mention the infamous Three Year Agreement but wisely shifted the topic, seeing the closeness between the two.
"Indeed, that's me," Xiao Yan chuckled, squeezing Nalan Yanran's hand.
Nalan Yanran shot him a glare, thinking to herself, Win all you want. In the future, I'll beat your kids right in front of you what can you do about it?
Cough! Sensing the flirtatious tension, the elder cleared his throat awkwardly and began explaining the current state of affairs. His detailed account confirmed the grim reality although the Jia Ma Empire had initially gained the upper hand in the war, the sudden involvement of the Myriad Scorpion Gate had inflicted severe losses. Just as Yun Yun's letter had described, the Jia Ma Empire had lost control of the battlefield and was now on the defensive.
Hearing this, both Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's expressions grew serious. There was no time to waste. They immediately set out for Black Mountain Fortress.
As they flew away, the elder watched their retreating figures with a sigh. "Truly gifted… Others strive their whole lives to achieve what they've accomplished at barely twenty. Their potential is limitless."
From a distance, Nalan Yanran's voice echoed back. "Uncle Qiu, there's another gryphon coming to assist the Jia Ma Empire. Don't stop it!"
She was, of course, referring to Lu Bu. Xiao Yan wanted to return to the Jia Ma Empire ahead of Lu Bu, so he had inquired about the general timing of Lu Bu's return. Hearing this, the elder surnamed Qiu paused for a moment before nodding. Since the Young Sect Mistress of the Yun Lan Sect had spoken, he decided to act as instructed. It sounded like the two had called in reinforcements.
...
In the sky, the gryphon soared forward, stirring up fierce winds with deafening sonic booms as it tore through the air.
On the gryphon's back, Zi Yan was curled up asleep in Lu Bu's arms. Her soft, pinkish cheeks pressed against his arm, squishing her small face into an adorable "bun face." A glimmer of drool glistened at the corner of her lips, hinting that she was dreaming about something delicious.
Lu Bu sat with his eyes half closed, holding a jade scroll against his brow, but his brows were furrowed. After a while, he sighed helplessly and opened his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Medusa, in her Seven Colored Python form, was coiled around his shoulder. Noticing his shifting expression, she frowned slightly.
"Is this... a new Dou Technique? Is it hard to master?"
"Do you remember how I obtained the Dual Cultivation Technique?" Lu Bu asked as he raised the jade scroll in his hand.
"How would I know..." Medusa murmured, turning her head to the side as if she didn't care.
But then, as if struck by inspiration, she recalled the Eight Colored Stone she had refined. Her eyes lit up she actually did know.
"Exactly. This jade scroll came into my possession along with the Dual Cultivation Technique," Lu Bu explained. "The technique recorded within this jade scroll is called the Spirit Imbuing Method."
"Is it difficult to train in?" Medusa asked in confusion. Lu Bu was a genius who could refine even the most challenging pills, such as the Fortune Pill. And when it came to Dou Techniques, no matter how difficult like the Emperor Seal Technique he could grasp them quickly.
Lu Bu had even once suggested that she train in the Emperor Seal Technique. However, it didn't suit her combat style, so she hadn't. That said, she had reviewed it and knew full well how challenging it was. But in Lu Bu's hands, it seemed far easier than it should have been.
"I can't even begin!" Lu Bu sighed in frustration. Every character in the jade scroll was recognizable to him, but he simply couldn't grasp the essence of the technique. Even when following the described method step by step, he achieved no results.
The feeling was reminiscent of middle school English class he could recognize every letter, but once combined, the words became incomprehensible gibberish. It was maddening.
"Maybe... you need a Spirit Tribe bloodline to master this technique," Lu Bu muttered, shaking his head and storing the jade scroll back into his ring.
He had hoped to use the Spirit Imbuing Method to nurture the Fallen Heart Flame, making it a weapon to fight for him in the future. Later, when he acquired the Black Demon Lightning, he had even imagined employing the method to create a cloud of lightning.
In his mind, he envisioned fighting with the Azure Dragon Technique activated, wielding the Green Lotus Core Flame in his right hand, the Black Demon Lightning in his left, and the Fallen Heart Flame floating overhead.
What would that look like?
A true melee mage!
If only he liked wielding weapons he'd definitely try out some Sea Splitting moves for fun.
Alas, it was just a dream. Lu Bu, it seemed, lacked the talent to be a melee mage.
Medusa frowned. Lu Bu had told her about the Eight Ancient Clans, so she knew what the Spirit Tribe bloodline entailed.
If that were the case, the Spirit Imbuing Method would be utterly useless in their hands. She was about to console Lu Bu when her body suddenly stiffened, and a burst of colorful light erupted from her forehead.
"What's..." Lu Bu noticed Medusa's unusual reaction, but before he could finish his sentence, radiant light surged forth as Medusa abandoned her snake form, reverting to her human form.
"The Snake People Tribe has sent word. The Myriad Scorpion Gate of the Chu Yun Empire has mobilized its entire force for a large scale invasion!" Medusa's face turned grim, her voice heavy. She had once clashed with Xie Bi Yan shortly after becoming the Snake People Queen and knew all too well how formidable he was.
Not only was Xie Bi Yan immensely powerful, but his expertise in poison techniques was unparalleled. Even fighters of the same level would struggle against him.
"Can you respond to the Snake People Tribe?" Lu Bu asked.
"I can... but it will take some effort," Medusa admitted, a look of concern flashing across her face. For the first time, she appeared anxious.
"Don't panic," Lu Bu said, gently wrapping his arm around her shoulder to reassure her. "The Jia Ma Empire and the Snake People Tribe have two Dou Zongs on their side. They'll be able to hold out for a while. And don't forget about Xiao Yan. That kid has the puppet I refined for him. Against anyone below a five star Dou Zong, it's practically invincible."
Xiao Yan would likely arrive at Black Mountain Fortress last, making a grand entrance to steal the spotlight when the battle began.
Thinking about it, Lu Bu couldn't help but chuckle. Xiao Yan wasn't particularly skilled at stealthy operations. In the original story, his one attempt at ambushing the Mu Lan Three Elders had ended in failure. If not for Medusa saving him, he'd have had a hard time escaping.
"Hmm..." Medusa nodded lightly, then closed her eyes. The colorful light at her forehead flickered before gradually dimming.
Lu Bu's expression grew serious as he raised his hand and patted the gryphon beneath him. With a flick of his finger, he tossed a Gale Pill into the gryphon's mouth.
"Roar!"
The gryphon's body was enveloped in a surge of green light, and its already lightning fast speed doubled. Letting out an exhilarating roar, the gryphon reveled in its newfound swiftness it had never flown so fast in its life!
...
Two Days Later, Black Mountain Fortress.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion echoed across the fortress, causing it to tremble violently.
"Hahaha... Yun Shan, come out and meet your death!" A long, resounding laugh followed the blast, rolling through the fortress with oppressive Dou Qi. The voice bypassed all barriers, reaching every corner of Black Mountain Fortress.
Inside, everyone's faces turned pale. Wasn't the enemy supposed to arrive in three days? Why were they attacking on the second day?
"Hehehe... Yun Shan, open the gates and surrender, or I'll turn your Jia Ma Empire into a thousand mile wasteland of poison!" A sinister voice rang out, making it impossible for anyone to stay calm.
Xie Bi Yan!
He had arrived!
A strong gust of wind howled through the fortress as Yun Shan, dressed in white robes, appeared in the sky. His face was solemn as he gazed into the distance.
There, countless soldiers stood poised to strike, while a sky full of Dou Huangs readied their weapons, radiating killing intent.
A deafening beast's roar shattered the silence as Jia Xing Tian rode atop the mighty Sea Serpent Dragon, joining Yun Shan to face Xie Bi Yan and Yan Luo Tian together.
"Hehehe... such bravery!" Yan Luo Tian sneered, golden light flashing in his eyes as he stared at Yun Shan. "A mere Dou Huang at peak rank, an eight star Dou Huang level beast, and a crippled two star Dou Zong. Do you think you can stand against both me and Elder Xie?"
"Where is the Heavenly Poison Lady? Tell her to show herself!" Xie Bi Yan laughed coldly. "Did you think you could hide her presence from me?"
"Xie Bi Yan, I'm your opponent!" Jia Xing Tian growled, his golden Dou Qi flaring as he locked onto Xie Bi Yan.
The two had clashed many times before, but Xie Bi Yan had always been defeated. Who could have guessed that this former loser would now stand before him as a four star Dou Zong, an unstoppable force?
"Ha!" Xie Bi Yan sneered. His aura surged upward like a pillar of power before erupting.
Boom! Jia Xing Tian's body shuddered as he spat out a mouthful of blood.
"You think you can fight me? Do you think it's still the past?" Xie Bi Yan mocked, a vile, poisonous fog spreading from his body, rushing toward the fortress and its defenders.
Yun Shan sighed softly. Against absolute power, any strategy felt futile.
Screech!
A sharp eagle's cry pierced the air as a blue figure emerged on the horizon. Xiao Yi Xian stood atop a massive blue eagle, her cold voice cutting through the tension.
"Xie Bi Yan, I'm here!"
(End of Chapter)
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