Chapter 219: One of the Eight Great Ancient Clans: The Spirit Clan
In the palace near Black Mountain Fortress:
"Lu Bu, this technique seems to suit me well. Let me take a closer look!" Yun Yun's delicate face grew serious as she held the jade slip, seated cross legged with her eyes closed, beginning to comprehend the Spirit Imbuement Technique.
Watching her focus and listening to her words, Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. The Spirit Imbuement Technique was something he had acquired from the ancient battlefield in the Black Corner Region.
He had also found the Dual Cultivation Technique at the same site, both located next to the remains of someone from the Spirit Clan. Lu Bu himself had tried to cultivate the Spirit Imbuement Technique before but had made no progress. He couldn't even step through the metaphorical doorway, let alone grasp its essence. In the end, he had to abandon it.
After some discussion with Medusa, they concluded that the technique likely required the bloodline of the Spirit Clan, one of the ancient clans, to begin cultivation. But… the Spirit Clan?
Even in the original story, they didn't appear. Where could Lu Bu possibly find someone from the Spirit Clan? Besides, he wasn't about to go hunting down a Spirit Clan member just for this technique.
As a result, the Spirit Imbuement Technique had been left idle. Yet who would've thought that Yun Yun would take such an interest in it and even begin to cultivate it?
"This… I may need to investigate the origins of the Misty Cloud Sect further," Lu Bu murmured, rubbing his chin as he watched Yun Yun immersed in the technique. The origins of the sect's first leader might not be as simple as they seemed.
A faint breeze stirred the air as an ethereal wind began to swirl around Yun Yun's body. Within this vortex, transparent streams of an indescribable energy gradually flowed into Yun Yun.
Spiritual Energy!
Lu Bu's lips twitched. This was something that many peak seventh tier alchemists dreamed of obtaining but often never found in their entire lives. Even now, Lu Bu was searching for a chance to break through his soul realm to the Spirit Realm.
But Yun Yun had drawn out spiritual energy so easily.
"It seems the Spirit Clan is no trivial matter…" Lu Bu's eyes gleamed with insight. If not for their dwindling bloodline and subsequent decline, the Spirit Clan's power might have rivaled that of the Gu Clan and Soul Clan.
After a short while, Yun Yun let out a faint sigh and slowly opened her eyes. Her expression was filled with a mix of wonder and doubt as she gazed at the jade slip in her hands. This technique felt unexpectedly compatible with her it was shockingly easy to learn.
When she first became a Dou Fighter and her teacher passed down a cultivation method, it hadn't been nearly this smooth.
"Lu Bu, where did you get this?" Yun Yun frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask.
Lu Bu's eyes flickered as he recounted the origin of the Spirit Imbuement Technique and explained the concept of the ancient clans.
After hearing this, Yun Yun was stunned. Having spent most of her life in the Misty Cloud Sect, she hadn't even ventured beyond the Northwest Continent, let alone heard of the ancient clans.
"It seems I'll have to ask my teacher about this…" Yun Yun murmured, biting her red lips as her fingers fiddled with a lock of her silky hair. She felt at a loss.
The Misty Cloud Sect was merely a second tier power in the Northwest Continent, yet it seemed to have ties to the ancient clans that stood at the very peak of the continent. This connection was unsettling.
"Yun Yun, you don't know the origins of the Misty Cloud Sect either?" Lu Bu asked curiously.
"I don't," Yun Yun sighed softly. "All I know is that the Misty Cloud Sect used to have two branches: one that became the Misty Cloud Sect my teacher and I belong to, and another that formed the imperial family. Later, the Jia Ma Empire's royal family allied with other noble clans to rebel and overthrow them."
"Huh? There's such history?" Lu Bu was surprised. He knew the current Jia Ma royal family had usurped the previous one, which explained why Jia Xing Tian had been so wary of Hai Bodong's reappearance. But Lu Bu had no knowledge of the previous royal family's origins.
"Yes," Yun Yun nodded and continued, "The Misty Cloud Sect and the royal family were never on good terms. They believed the sect was a hindrance, draining resources and weakening royal authority, while the sect considered them stubborn and unambitious. Over time, the two sides grew increasingly estranged, eventually reaching the point of near armed conflict. When the royal family was overthrown, they had already cut all ties with the sect."
"Tsk…" Lu Bu had nothing to add. He wasn't skilled in political intrigue, but he knew that even the closest of brothers would eventually quarrel over time, let alone two unrelated factions like the Misty Cloud Sect and the royal family.
"The current royal family spared the remnants of the previous one, likely out of respect for the Misty Cloud Sect. They exiled them instead. At the time, the deposed family still dreamed of retaking the imperial capital. But now… they've faded into obscurity." Yun Yun shrugged, showing little interest in that bloodline. "To their credit, they maintained some dignity. They never sought help from the Misty Cloud Sect, staying true to their imperial pride."
No dignity at all, Lu Bu scoffed internally. They've probably been wistfully longing for the empire every year while their forces dwindled to nothing.
"Let's not talk about them anymore," Lu Bu said with a chuckle. He raised his hand, and an invisible flame quietly appeared, floating in midair. "Yun Yun, why don't you try nurturing this flame into a spirit servant?"
"This is… a Heavenly Flame?" Yun Yun was stunned. How could this man so casually produce an ownerless Heavenly Flame?
The Spirit Imbuement Technique's overview mentioned that Heavenly Flames and Mystical Lightning were top tier spirit servants, extremely rare and precious treasures.
But Yun Yun didn't feel that this was all that special. Why? Because her man had casually brought one out.
"Don't you need it?" Yun Yun asked with a slight frown. As a seventh tier alchemist, Lu Bu surely knew how invaluable a Heavenly Flame was. She still remembered how Gu He had gone to great lengths to obtain one in the Tagore Desert, only to fail. Yet Lu Bu was now offering it to her?
"I already have one. I don't need so many." Lu Bu chuckled. In truth, he could have absorbed the flame using the Devouring Ancient Symbol and fused it with his existing flames to create a new composite flame.
But… it wasn't worth it.
The Fallen Heart Flame's main abilities were soul damage and accelerated cultivation. However, Lu Bu already had the Devouring Ancient Symbol and Spiritual Fire, which rendered the Fallen Heart Flame's abilities redundant.
Giving it to Yun Yun was far more useful. Her cultivation speed couldn't compare to Medusa's, Xiao Yi Xian's, or even Qing Lin's. Giving her a speed boost was necessary.
"Yun Yun, go ahead and nurture it into a spirit servant," Lu Bu encouraged with a smile. "This flame has been sealed in my possession for a long time. It's better suited to you than me."
"Alright…" Yun Yun sighed. She used to be able to help Lu Bu, but now she felt outmatched even by Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian. She couldn't let this continue. She needed power.
With that thought, Yun Yun lifted her finger, channeling faint spiritual energy. Her delicate finger lightly touched the Fallen Heart Flame.
Immediately, the invisible flame rippled slightly before settling back into calmness.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow and withdrew his soul force. But contrary to his expectations, the flame didn't flare up or rampage. Instead, it floated obediently in front of Yun Yun, like a tame little pet, devoid of the Heavenly Flame's usual destructive might.
Seated in front of Yun Yun, Lu Bu quietly watched. The first step in cultivating a spirit servant was to imprint a spiritual seal, a process that was anything but simple. A single misstep could result in the flame turning on its master, especially with a volatile force like the Fallen Heart Flame.
Lu Bu remained vigilant, ready to suppress the flame at a moment's notice.
In the palace near Black Mountain Fortress:
"Hm? Why is the Fallen Heart Flame behaving this way… Wait, a Spirit Clan member?" An aged voice suddenly echoed in Lu Bu's mind.
"Senior Yao?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. The Heavenly Flame Protector had awakened!
"Hahaha… Yes, Lu Bu, it is indeed me," the Heavenly Flame Protector laughed heartily. His voice was strong and robust quite different from his previously weakened tone when they first met. Clearly, he had recovered significantly.
"Senior Yao, do you know anything about the Spirit Clan?" Lu Bu asked with a smile.
"Haha, I know a little," the Heavenly Flame Protector responded. "The ancient clans derived their power from their bloodlines, granted by Dou Emperors. They created their own unique realms, which were abundant in energy and resources. This superiority led them to look down on the people of the Dou Qi Continent. Were it not for their ancestral laws urging them to combat the dark races, they might have shut their gates and isolated themselves entirely.
"But the Spirit Clan was different. They needed spirit servants. While they could cultivate them within their clan, powerful treasures like Heavenly Flames, Mystical Lightning, Celestial Water, and Spirit Wood couldn't be produced in their realms. So they often ventured into the Dou Qi Continent to seek such treasures. During my travels, I encountered a few Spirit Clan members."
The Heavenly Flame Protector chuckled before continuing, "Unlike other ancient clans who behaved arrogantly, as if their heads were in the clouds, the Spirit Clan was more approachable. They treated outsiders decently, and because of their constant search for treasures, they often carried fascinating and miraculous items.
"I even met two Spirit Clan members who wielded Nether Poison Flames… Tsk tsk, watching them fight was truly satisfying."
"Oh? That's fascinating," Lu Bu remarked, his interest piqued. His impression of the Spirit Clan had always been that they were the first of the ancient clans to perish an unfortunate and unjust demise. But after hearing the Heavenly Flame Protector's description, Lu Bu gained a deeper understanding of them.
However, this raised another question: How had the Soul Clan managed to wipe out all the Spirit Clan members wandering the continent? Did they regard them as insignificant stragglers and not bother hunting them down?
"Lu Bu, your little girlfriend is quite fast at imprinting a soul mark!"
The Heavenly Flame Protector's comment pulled Lu Bu out of his thoughts. Looking up, he saw the Fallen Heart Flame floating and hopping around Yun Yun like a curious child exploring a new world. It radiated an aura of joy and excitement.
Yun Yun's eyes were closed, her fingertips surrounded by a faint spiritual energy. She seemed to be patiently guiding the flame, like a teacher instructing a child. Before long, the once playful Heavenly Flame had settled beside her, exuding a calm and refined demeanor, as though it had transformed from a mischievous child into a graceful and well mannered young lady.
"It seems like this will take a while…" Lu Bu shrugged helplessly. He had planned to bring Yun Yun to the Lion Swallowing Sect and use the Fallen Heart Flame to clear the battlefield, but it seemed that idea was no longer feasible.
"Haha… Imprinting a soul mark is only the first step. Nurturing a spirit servant is an extremely tedious process," the Heavenly Flame Protector said with a laugh.
"How is your recovery coming along, Senior Yao?" Lu Bu asked.
"Not bad. My strength is roughly at the eight star Dou Zong level. It's not great, but it'll do… Hm?" The Heavenly Flame Protector suddenly paused, his tone filled with disbelief. "You… Your soul has already reached the pinnacle of the Mortal Realm?"
Before he could finish, Lu Bu could feel a tinge of envy in the Heavenly Flame Protector's voice. He was jealous.
"Haha… It's nothing. I didn't cultivate my soul deliberately I'm just naturally talented," Lu Bu replied modestly, waving his hand as if it were no big deal.
The Heavenly Flame Protector sighed softly. With someone like Lu Bu around, how were others of his generation supposed to live up to this?
"Senior Yao, your awakening couldn't have come at a better time. I actually need your help with something," Lu Bu said, suddenly struck by an idea.
"Oh? Please, tell me. I'll do my best," the Heavenly Flame Protector replied, sounding delighted. After all, he owed Lu Bu a significant debt and was eager to repay it.
"Haha… I need help in a fight. The opponent is a four star Dou Zun, but don't worry I have a plan to deal with him. All you need to do is launch a sneak attack…" Lu Bu laughed, rubbing his hands together excitedly.
When dealing with the Lion Swallowing Sect, a frontal assault would work just fine. With the strength of his forces, he could crush them outright. But… sneak attacks were so much more satisfying!
Unfortunately, the Fallen Heart Flame wouldn't be usable for now. Otherwise, with the Heavenly Flame Protector wielding it, his combat power would have been even more formidable.
In the Heavenly Snake Mansion:
A middle aged man shot the Azure Snake Elder a strange look, feeling utterly baffled.
The elder ignored him, humming a little tune as he sipped from a wine flask, clearly enjoying himself.
"Elder, why are you in such high spirits?" the man finally asked.
"What's it to you, She Lin?" the elder grumbled, glaring at the man.
"Er… Elder, you seem unusually relaxed. I'm just curious," She Lin replied sheepishly, wiping the sweat from his brow. As a peak Dou Zong, he prided himself on his composure, but even he couldn't read the elder's thoughts.
"Cut the nonsense," the elder snorted, taking another swig of wine. "You're wondering what's so special about the Jia Ma Empire, aren't you?"
"Elder, your insight is unparalleled…" She Lin laughed awkwardly, trying to mask his embarrassment. He had thought his expression was unreadable, but apparently not.
"Remember the recent incident where the Soul Hall suffered a crushing defeat at Jia Nan Academy?" the elder asked.
She Lin nodded. How could he forget? The Soul Hall had lost a three star Dou Zun and four peak Dou Zongs. For a force like the Heavenly Snake Mansion, such a loss would have been catastrophic, leaving them crippled for a century.
"That's a huge loss for the Soul Hall," She Lin remarked. "But what about Jia Nan Academy?"
"Exactly. Jia Nan Academy suffered no losses," the elder said with a sly smile.
"Wait… no losses?!" She Lin's eyes widened in shock. It finally dawned on him just how strange the situation was.
If the Heavenly Snake Mansion had faced such an assault, they would have been devastated. How had Jia Nan Academy emerged unscathed?
"There was someone pulling the strings," the elder explained, though his tone carried a hint of annoyance. The thought of Lu Bu always irritated him.
"Who?" She Lin asked, his expression turning serious.
"Someone from the Jia Ma Empire," the elder replied, his eyes twitching slightly. "He's someone with a master servant relationship with Qing Lin."
"Ah, now I understand," She Lin said, enlightened. Clearly, the elder must have had an unpleasant encounter with this person during their previous trip with Qing Lin.
Just then, a voice resonated across the Heavenly Snake Mansion, cutting through the mountains and halls to echo throughout the entire mansion.
"Azure Snake Elder, Lu Bu has arrived. Show yourself!"
She Lin's face darkened instantly. "Who dares !"
But the elder's lips twitched as he glanced at the sky. Among the six figures hovering above, two stood out. One was the headmaster of Jia Nan Academy, Bai Lie. The other… was that detestable, slick looking Lu Bu.
"Damn brat…" the elder muttered under his breath.
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