Chapter 217: Zi Yan, You're Truly My Little Angel!
In a grand hall within Black Mountain Fortress:
"Where's Lu Bu? Has he come back yet?" Medusa's face was cold with suppressed anger as she asked the question, her tone icy and sharp.
Opposite her, Hai Bodong's mouth twitched, and cold sweat trickled down his face. He fought the urge to rub his trembling legs as he gulped nervously.
The psychological shadow Queen Medusa had cast over him was immense. Even when she was at the peak of Dou Huang strength, he couldn't contend with her now that she was a high level Dou Zong, it was downright terrifying.
"I I heard he's… cultivating? Maybe over there…" Hai Bodong stammered, pointing weakly in a particular direction.
"Cultivating? Still cultivating? With who?!" Medusa's tone flared with irritation as she strode toward the direction Hai Bodong indicated, her long legs carrying her forward with purpose.
Behind her, a silver puppet was carrying the defeated elder from the Lion Abyss Sect. The elder's face looked as though it had been dunked in a dye vat bruised in every color imaginable. He was barely breathing, his eyes closed as if he were a corpse being dragged along.
"How has that kid Lu Bu managed to stay alive while traveling with her for so long…" Hai Bodong wiped the sweat off his brow, muttering to himself.
"Queen Medusa… isn't she a bit too scary?" Yun Shan asked curiously, standing nearby.
"Heh." Jia Xing Tian chuckled knowingly. Poor Hai Bodong still hadn't recovered.
"You don't get it... never mind, I'm not wasting my breath explaining it to you!" Hai Bodong snapped. His voice rose in frustration, but then his lips twitched again as he glanced nervously at Medusa's retreating figure. Muttering curses under his breath, he decided this wasn't the place for him and left in search of a quieter corner.
By the doorway, Xiao Yan leaned casually against the frame, his eyelid twitching slightly. Although he and Yao Lao had subdued that Lion Abyss Sect elder, they hadn't fully claimed victory. The man was still alive, but now Medusa had taken him under her control. Xiao Yan could see that claiming the elder's corpse would still take considerable effort.
Bang!
A deafening crash rang out as the door was violently kicked off its hinges, slamming to the ground and stirring up a cloud of dust.
Outside, a pair of long, shapely legs slowly retreated, revealing Medusa's slightly angered but stunningly beautiful face.
"Shh…" Lu Bu raised a finger to his lips, signaling for Medusa to keep quiet. Inside the room, Lu Bu stood shoulder to shoulder with Yun Yun, while Xiao Yi Xian sat cross legged on the ground, deeply immersed in the "Wind and Moon Yin Yang Manual" a dual cultivation technique.
Medusa's frown eased slightly when she didn't see the scene she had imagined. Her expression softened a bit as she spoke in a calmer tone, "That Lion Abyss Sect elder is subdued. He's connected to Xiao Yan and Yao Chen, so you decide what to do with him."
After saying that, she turned and left, taking the Earth Demon Puppet and the subdued elder with her back to the main hall.
"Medusa seems awfully irritable…" Xiao Yi Xian murmured with a slight smile, her beautiful eyes sparkling. To her, the earlier interaction had been... oddly thrilling.
Now that Xiao Yi Xian had not clashed with Medusa or the Serpent Tribe like in the original timeline, the tension between them wasn't as sharp. Instead of a bitter rivalry, their dynamic felt almost playful an unexpected result of Lu Bu's efforts to bring them together.
"Hmph!" Yun Yun helped Xiao Yi Xian up and said teasingly, "Medusa? You shouldn't avoid her. If she picks a fight, we can always gang up on that shameless playboy together!"
"Cough…" Lu Bu cleared his throat and interrupted. "Let's head over to see what's going on. I'm curious how the Lion Abyss Sect ended up involved here."
As Lu Bu spoke, his expression darkened. He had initially thought the mastermind behind this chaos was Tie Protector, yet the sudden appearance of a Lion Abyss Sect elder had thrown a wrench into his assumptions.
Moreover, there was no sign of Tie Protector anywhere.
In hindsight, perhaps he should've ordered Queen Medusa to spare Scorpion Bi Yan's life long enough to interrogate him. No matter there was still this Lion Abyss Sect elder to interrogate.
Hearing Lu Bu's words, Yun Yun and Xiao Yi Xian exchanged glances. Both women's faces turned serious. As leaders of the Yun Lan Sect and the Poison Sect respectively, they had some knowledge of the Lion Abyss Sect's reputation as one of the top factions in the Northwest Continent.
However, neither of them had expected such an abrupt and antagonistic encounter with the sect.
The trio made their way to the main hall.
Inside, only a few people were present: Medusa, veiled in white gauze, accompanied by two elderly Snake Tribe women, Xiao Yan, Yun Shan, Jia Xing Tian, and an elder from the Poison Sect responsible for liaising between the Poison Sect, Jia Ma Empire, and Yun Lan Sect.
When the Poison Sect elder saw Xiao Yi Xian, she immediately stood up to greet her respectfully. Xiao Yi Xian gave a slight nod, her expression calm and composed behind her purple veil.
The two elders from the Snake Tribe, however, cast scrutinizing glances at Lu Bu. With their keen eyes, they easily discerned that Queen Medusa was no longer a virgin. Combined with the fact that she could effortlessly control the Earth Demon Puppet a puppet capable of killing a Dou Zong like Yan Luo Tian in mere seconds it was obvious who was responsible.
Although this went against the tribe's traditions of maiden queens undergoing a ceremonial baptism, it wasn't something they could interfere with. The queen's private affairs were her own.
However… their queen had also declared that she intended to leave the Snake Tribe to travel with this young man. That was unacceptable!
The Third and Fourth Elders exchanged a glance, silently resolving to ensure this young man changed his plans. Their queen was the ruler of the Snake Tribe she couldn't just leave like this!
Lu Bu took the main seat in the hall and glanced at Medusa. Understanding his silent cue, Medusa flicked her finger, sending a multicolored light into the body of the Lion Abyss Sect elder.
The elder's bruised and swollen face turned pale. He coughed violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood, but slowly regained consciousness.
"Lion Abyss Sect… Dou Xi, is it?" Lu Bu asked, recalling the name the elder had given earlier.
"That's right," the elder replied hoarsely, his tone sinister. "And who are you, boy? State your name if you dare!"
"Lu Bu… just a nobody, not worth mentioning," Lu Bu replied indifferently.
"Lu Bu, is it? Boy, the Lion Abyss Sect isn't an enemy you can afford to provoke "
Smack!
Before he could finish, the Earth Demon Puppet beside him swung its massive hand, slapping him across the face with brutal force.
The sharp crack echoed through the hall as blood and teeth flew from Dou Xi's mouth. His face instantly caved in on one side.
So ruthless… The two Snake Tribe elders exchanged glances, their expressions shifting slightly. This level of decisiveness was reminiscent of their queen's own ruthlessness. No wonder she had taken a liking to this man.
The others in the hall, however, weren't particularly surprised. They were all somewhat familiar with Lu Bu's methods by now.
"I'll ask, and you'll answer. Any objections?" Lu Bu smiled faintly.
"…No." Dou Xi panted heavily, trembling slightly. After a moment's hesitation, he nodded in submission.
The Lion Abyss Sect's reputation held no sway here. None of these people seemed remotely intimidated, and that beautiful yet terrifying woman was an Eight Star Dou Zong who could easily defeat him. What choice did he have but to cooperate?
"So, tell me why is the Lion Abyss Sect so interested in a 'small place' like ours?" Lu Bu asked casually, inspecting his nails.
Dou Xi fell silent for a moment before finally answering, "Jia Nan Academy produced a Dou Zun. We were concerned they might ally with the Heavenly Serpent Mansion…"
His words caused everyone present to understand immediately. As leaders or high ranking members of various factions, they were all too familiar with the political machinations between major powers.
However, their expressions quickly darkened.
They weren't just dealing with a lone Dou Zong like Dou Xi they were now facing the entire Lion Abyss Sect.
What were they going to do now?
The Lion Abyss Sect is no mere comparison to the Wan Scorpion Gate or the Golden Goose Sect!
"Where's Iron Protector? Where did he go?" Lu Bu asked again.
"What!?" Dou Xi from the Lion Abyss Sect's expression changed drastically. His dealings with Iron Protector were supposed to be top secret!
"Iron Protector…" Yun Shan and the others frowned deeply. Just from the name, they could guess this person was no different from Wu Protector, which likely meant he was tied to that eerie organization the Hall of Souls.
"Again, it's the Hall of Souls!" Xiao Yan, who had been leaning lazily, instantly sat up straight, his expression turning solemn. The involvement of both the Lion Abyss Sect and the Hall of Souls was no trivial matter.
"How do you know about my connection with Iron Protector…?" Dou Xi's shock was written all over his face.
Smack!
The silver metal palm swung down again. Blood and broken teeth flew through the air as Dou Xi's intact cheek was flattened, leaving both sides of his face utterly caved in.
"..."
The hall fell silent. The room's occupants were stunned not only by the mention of Iron Protector but also by Lu Bu's ruthless, unhesitating violence.
This pretty boy is not to be trifled with…
Those meeting Lu Bu for the first time couldn't help but reconsider their initial judgments.
"I don't know where he is. Maybe he fled when he saw the situation deteriorating, or perhaps he's been watching from the shadows…" Dou Xi forced himself to speak clearly, terrified another slap might follow if his answer wasn't satisfactory.
"What's his strength?" Lu Bu asked, stroking his chin. He recalled Iron Protector's unfortunate fate in the original storyline not only was he captured alive and interrogated by Xiao Yan, but his soul was ultimately used to refine the Earth Demon Puppet. Compared to Wu Protector, who had managed to stay in the shadows, Iron Protector was downright pathetic.
"Around two or three stars of Dou Zong. I've never seen him fight at full strength, but he's no match for me," Dou Xi replied.
Hearing this, everyone breathed a small sigh of relief. A Dou Zong with only two or three stars? That was manageable they still had the strength to deal with him.
So weak… Xiao Yan curled his lips in disdain. He had initially considered hunting down Iron Protector, but with such mediocre strength, he lost interest. Capturing him wouldn't be worth the effort.
"Have I answered all your questions now? Can I leave?" Dou Xi fixed his gaze on Lu Bu, speaking in a steady tone.
Yun Shan, Jia Xing Tian, and the two Snake Tribe elders exchanged uneasy looks. They weren't sure how to handle him.
The Lion Abyss Sect had already set its sights on this region it was clear they wouldn't stop easily. Whether they killed or released Dou Xi, it wouldn't change the sect's ambitions.
"Leave? And where do you think you're going?" Lu Bu chuckled at the question, his tone laced with mockery.
Although he hadn't witnessed Dou Xi's arrogance firsthand, he had heard enough from Yun Yun to understand. For Yun Shan to act against him despite the Lion Abyss Sect's name meant Dou Xi had to have been insufferably arrogant, and the sect itself was no less overbearing.
"Young man, I'll admit your strength is impressive, but don't forget you're facing the Lion Abyss Sect!" Dou Xi's face contorted with anger, and his voice turned shrill. "I am a senior elder of the sect! My soul jade token rests within the sect's city. Should anything happen to me "
"Xiao Yan, let's make a deal," Lu Bu interrupted casually. "I'll give you this guy, and in exchange, you accompany me to the Lion Abyss Sect."
"Deal!" Xiao Yan grinned widely. Lu Bu's intention was clear: to destroy the Lion Abyss Sect.
Xiao Yan liked that plan. Without wiping out the Lion Abyss Sect, the Xiao family would never have peace. The sect had to be eliminated there was no other option.
Without hesitation, Lu Bu flicked his fingers, sending a chilling wave of soul energy into Dou Xi's head. The elder's soul was instantly shattered.
Xiao Yan raised his hand, collecting Dou Xi's corpse into his storage ring.
"Lu Bu, what are you doing?" Yun Shan and Jia Xing Tian asked, their expressions a mix of shock and confusion. "The sect leader of the Lion Abyss Sect is a Dou Zun! Don't act recklessly!"
The two Snake Tribe elders exchanged alarmed glances. What was this pretty boy planning? Did he really have a way to deal with a Dou Zun?
The queen certainly didn't have that kind of strength… or did she? Why wasn't she stopping him? Could it be that someone powerful was supporting him from behind?
For a moment, the two elders were stunned, unsure of what to say.
"Relax, I've got this," Lu Bu said with a confident smile. "Xiao Yan, we leave tomorrow. As for everyone else dismissed. The Lion Abyss Sect is my concern. All you need to do is hold your ground here."
Hearing this, Yun Shan and Jia Xing Tian exchanged glances before nodding silently and leaving.
Medusa waved her hand dismissively, and after a moment of hesitation, the two Snake Tribe elders followed suit. Soon, the hall was empty except for Medusa, Yun Yun, Xiao Yi Xian, and Lu Bu.
The three women stared at Lu Bu, their gazes piercing.
This scoundrel had a bad habit of hugging people when they were alone with him.
Now, the question was: who would he hug?
He had two hands surely he could hug two people at once. So, who would he not hug?
What? Not hugging anyone?
That wasn't an option!
Under the intense scrutiny of their burning gazes, Lu Bu felt a chill run down his spine. The three women weren't bothering to hide their thoughts, making it painfully clear what they were expecting.
Just as Lu Bu found himself trapped in a difficult situation, a crisp voice echoed through the hall.
"Lu Bu, I'm back from my fight!"
Thump thump thump!
The sound of light footsteps filled the room as Zi Yan skipped in, her cheerful energy lighting up the atmosphere.
Zi Yan, you're truly my little angel!
Lu Bu nearly teared up with gratitude. Laughing heartily, he opened his arms wide and scooped her up. "Hahaha… Zi Yan, did you get hurt?"
"Nope! The Dou Huangs here are all weak they couldn't even take one punch from me!" Zi Yan said proudly, sitting on Lu Bu's lap and tilting her little face upward. "I caught a big scorpion with four wings. It was fun to play with, but it's too slow to ride on!"
Four Winged Sky Demon Scorpion… Lu Bu's eyes flickered as he pieced it together.
Medusa ground her silver teeth in frustration, glaring at Lu Bu with irritation. She had been so close to teaching him a lesson, but Zi Yan had ruined her chance.
She also glared at Zi Yan. Did this brat have to show up at the perfect moment?
Both Lu Bu and Zi Yan instinctively shrank back. The queen's temper is terrifying.
"I'm returning to the Snake Tribe. I'll meet you tomorrow to accompany you to the Lion Abyss Sect," Medusa said coldly. With recent changes in the tribe, she needed to personally oversee the situation.
"Zi Yan, are you coming with me?"
"I'm not uh, I mean, I'd love to!" Zi Yan had almost refused but changed her answer after seeing Medusa's terrifying glare.
With that, the two one tall and one small left the room, leaving Lu Bu, Yun Yun, and Xiao Yi Xian behind.
The three of them exchanged glances.
Suddenly, the room felt much quieter… and much more intimate.
Tonight… it seemed it would just be the three of them.
Yun Yun and Xiao Yi Xian blushed furiously, their faces turning as red as roses as they fidgeted awkwardly.
In Lion Abyss City, within a lavish golden palace atop a mountain:
Tap tap tap!
Hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
"Sect Master, something has happened!" An elder rushed into the grand hall and bowed before the golden dragon throne.
"What is it?" asked the man seated on the throne. He was a burly figure, exuding an imposing and unyielding presence. Without a single word, his aura alone inspired fear and awe.
"Elder Dou Xi's soul jade has shattered!"
"Hm?" The man's eyes narrowed, and a sharp light flashed within them, like a slumbering lion suddenly awakened. His immense aura surged, causing the entire hall to tremble.
(To be continued)
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