Chapter 238: Xun'er, You Wouldn't Want...
"Commander Lu Bu…" Ling Quan looked at Lu Bu hovering in the sky, nodding slightly. A three star Dou King. His strength was decent, considering that Ling Quan himself, as the seventh commander, had only recently reached the peak of the Dou King stage. Though Ling Quan had never heard of this name before, he didn't think much of it. With the millions of clansmen in the Gu Clan, it wasn't uncommon for a new genius to emerge suddenly. Ling Quan himself had risen through such a process when his bloodline unexpectedly mutated and strengthened.
"Heh… May I ask which elder of the clan recruited you, Commander Lu Bu? Perhaps I know them," Ling Quan asked with a smile, his tone calm. He had some respect for those who, like himself, had risen from humble origins.
"Your lady commander recruited me, back at Jia Nan Academy," Lu Bu replied casually, chuckling to himself. This Ling Quan seemed different from his initial impression more amicable than expected.
"Hm? Jia Nan Academy?" Ling Quan's warm smile froze for a moment, then a trace of coldness surfaced on his face.
"Heh… So you're an outsider. I'm rather curious how someone like you managed to join the Black Abyss Army," Ling Quan said, still smiling, though the chill in his voice was unmistakable.
Had he not seen Xiao Yan's portrait before and known who Xiao Yan was, a mere three star Dou King like this guy wouldn't dare act so boldly in front of him.
"Save it. I'm not interested in answering your questions," Lu Bu said dismissively, rolling his eyes. He took back what he'd just thought; Ling Quan was exactly as annoying as his reputation suggested.
Lu Bu turned to Yang Hao. "Where's your lady commander and the two elders? I've got some business to attend to, so let them know I'm leaving."
With the Soul Hall threat resolved, Lu Bu's next move was clear: return to Queen Medusa and continue dual cultivation! He needed to break through to the Dou Ancestor stage as soon as possible, then head to Zhongzhou.
Lu Bu had grand ambitions not just to become a Dou Emperor, but to be the man of the Dragon Empress!
Of course, the female Dragon Empress. Not the old one.
"Uh…" Yang Hao was briefly stunned. Was this guy really so nonchalant after being challenged like that? Were all Taixu Ancient Dragons this even tempered?
Before Yang Hao could respond, Ling Quan's expression turned cold. "Presumptuous! The Black Abyss Army isn't a place where you can come and go as you please."
"Tch…" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, his impatience showing. "You're asking for a beating, aren't you?"
Hearing this, Ling Quan's eyes flashed with icy light. "Heh… A wild brat who doesn't know the limits of the heavens. How dare you provoke me? Today, I'll teach you what true strength in the Black Abyss Army looks like!"
"Are you coming at me alone, or should you bring some backup?" Lu Bu asked with a bored expression. He'd seen what Ling Quan was capable of already and it wasn't impressive.
"Heh heh… A fight, huh? It's about to go down!" Yang Hao exchanged glances with the Black Abyss soldiers next to him, their lips twitching with barely contained amusement.
Watching Ling Quan's cocky, disdainful attitude reminded Yang Hao of himself just the day before. Back then, he too had been a spirited, headstrong youth. And then Bam! A Mountain Splitting Seal slammed into his face, followed by a Dragon Punch for good measure.
One day was all it took for Yang Hao to mature. One day, and he was suddenly calm and collected.
Honestly, keeping a cool head wasn't so bad sometimes. Everyone got along better. Besides, it was clear that Lady Commander had no interest in the eighth commander, and the eighth commander had no interest in her. Maybe they could all just be good buddies.
"Heh heh… Buddy, I'm sure you'll enjoy the suffering I went through!" Yang Hao grinned from ear to ear, watching Ling Quan's confident demeanor with glee. Someone else was finally about to share his fate.
Suddenly, Yang Hao felt a chill and noticed Lu Bu glancing his way. Alarmed, Yang Hao quickly straightened his face, pretending to look around nonchalantly.
Ignoring Yang Hao, Ling Quan sneered. "Taking care of a brat like you doesn't require any help. I alone am enough!"
With a clench of his fist, arcs of lightning crackled, and a spear of pure thunder condensed in Ling Quan's hand.
Though arrogant in tone, Ling Quan wasn't foolish. As a three star Dou King, this outsider might truly possess impressive strength if Lady Commander had recruited him into the Black Abyss Army.
High above in the trees, Lin Lao and Guan Lao watched Ling Quan with mild amusement.
"Ah, youth. Such vigor."
"Indeed. And such sturdy bodies they'll recover quickly from a beating, I imagine."
"Heh heh…" The two elders chuckled knowingly.
Ling Quan wasted no time. With a loud step, he launched himself forward, accompanied by a thunderous roar. A shadow lingered where he once stood, but Ling Quan's real body had vanished in an instant.
Yang Hao narrowed his eyes, shaking his head slightly. Ling Quan's speed was decent, but such flashy movements were a dead giveaway. Besides, speed meant nothing against Lu Bu.
In the sky, Lu Bu raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Using speed against me? Hilarious. Guess you don't know about my soul power…" He paused. "Oh, right. Of course you don't."
Hiss!
A streak of lightning tore through the sky, Ling Quan wielding his thunder spear. The weapon crackled with brilliant silver light as he thrust it at Lu Bu with ferocious precision.
Clang!
A sharp metallic sound rang out as the spear neared Lu Bu. Dark golden scales materialized midair, forming a shield that blocked the attack completely.
Ling Quan's spear struck the shield like a bolt of lightning hitting solid rock, only to bounce off harmlessly. The recoil left Ling Quan's hands stinging, his face contorting in shock. What kind of defensive technique was this?
Before he could react further, Lu Bu made his move.
"My turn…" Lu Bu said with a smirk. Grabbing the spear with his left hand, he yanked it forward, pulling Ling Quan off balance. His right hand, now covered in dense, dark golden dragon scales, clenched into a fist and swung forward.
Boom!
A thunderous explosion followed as the dragon scaled fist met Ling Quan's face. Flames from the Green Lotus Core Flame coated the fist, their heat twisting Ling Quan's features into a grimace.
"What?!" Ling Quan's pupils contracted in terror. How could someone with only three stars in the Dou King stage unleash such terrifying power?
Instinctively, he tried to let go of his spear and dodge, but it was too late.
Bang!
The flaming dragon fist smashed into Ling Quan's face. A ripple of blue flames burst outward, the force of the impact sending him flying. He crashed into the soft forest floor, plowing a deep trench before slamming into a tree with a loud thud.
"Ahaha!" Yang Hao punched the air, cheering loudly. "Perfect!"
The other Black Abyss soldiers couldn't help but grin, finally witnessing the scene they had been waiting for. Seeing their commander's enthusiasm, they quickly composed themselves.
"Third Commander, calm down. Don't be too obvious," one of them whispered, nudging Yang Hao.
"Ah… Right, right." Yang Hao cleared his throat awkwardly, trying to regain his composure.
In the trees above, Lin Lao and Guan Lao exchanged amused glances.
"Not bad. That face punching technique looks rather effective. Let's try it on the Soul Hall next time."
…
Half an hour later, Ling Quan sat on the ground, clutching his swollen face and glaring not at Lu Bu, but at Yang Hao.
"You bastard! If you'd told me he was a Taixu Ancient Dragon, I wouldn't have provoked him!"
Ling Quan's face was still sore, the imprint of Lu Bu's dragon scaled fist and flames unmistakable. It had nearly flattened his face entirely. If not for a high quality healing pill, he'd truly have no face left to show.
A real faceless commander.
"Heh heh, so tell me, how did you get beaten up?" Yang Hao teased gleefully, his grin nearly reaching his ears.
"You… wait, could it be that you've been beaten too?" Ling Quan snapped angrily, but suddenly paused, his anger giving way to surprise as he thought of something.
Hearing this, the corner of Yang Hao's wide grin twitched, and the expression of joy on his face instantly turned sour.
"Rubbish! Do you think I'm like you? I'm always kind to others and not as arrogant as you!" Yang Hao immediately denied it with an indignant shout.
"Hahaha…" Ling Quan burst out laughing. So it wasn't just him this revelation brought him a strange sense of comfort.
"Ahem… Ling Quan, let's keep this matter quiet. It can't just be the two of us getting beaten up!" Yang Hao glanced around and then said this quietly but meaningfully.
"Hahaha, and you're still denying you got beaten?" Ling Quan roared with laughter as if he had just uncovered irrefutable evidence, slapping his leg in amusement.
"Enough! I'm being serious here!" Yang Hao barked angrily.
"Alright, alright, I get it," Ling Quan said, his mood suddenly brightened as he laughed heartily. "I understand what you mean. After all, we still have the fourth commander, Lin Xiu, the second commander, Gu Zhen, and the grand commander, Gu Yao."
"Now you're talking…" Yang Hao grinned slyly, feeling satisfied and full of anticipation.
At that moment, voices from the distance reached their ears, and Yang Hao's expression immediately shifted. "Not good! Lu Bu is trying to run?"
"Huh? That would be terrible!" Ling Quan was stunned for a moment before realizing the gravity of the situation. If only the two of them had been beaten while others escaped unscathed, they would be the laughingstock of the entire Black Abyss Army!
No way!
"Shall we check it out?"
"Uh… let's listen from a distance."
In the forest…
"You're leaving?" Xiao Xun'er's gaze turned cold. Though she didn't know the full story, the fact that the Soul Hall's Heavenly Lords arrived barely an hour after Lu Bu appeared was highly suspicious.
How could anyone believe there was no connection?
Using the Black Abyss Army and then trying to run? Since when was it that easy?
Lu Bu, however, acted as if he didn't notice her displeased glare. Spreading his hands, he sighed helplessly and said, "Of course. What, should I stay here and celebrate New Year's with you?"
"I've got five wives waiting for me back home. Why would I waste my time hanging around with you?"
Hearing this, Xiao Xun'er's face flushed with anger. This guy was obviously a shameless playboy, yet he didn't even seem interested in her?
Even though she wasn't interested in him, it was outrageous that such a scoundrel wasn't interested in her! Simply unforgivable!
Lu Bu noticed her strange reaction and gave her a puzzled look. Why was she getting angry for no reason? Had his punch scrambled her brain?
No way. Yang Hao and Ling Quan's heads were fine after he punched them.
"Hmph! You think you can just beat us all up and leave? It's not that easy!" Xiao Xun'er snorted coldly. Since he was so strong, she might as well drag him into a fight with the Soul Hall. Once he had enough blood from the Soul Clan on his hands, any chance of reconciliation with them would be impossible.
At that point, he would have no choice but to ally with the Gu Clan.
"What are you planning now?" Lu Bu narrowed his eyes warily.
"You're part of the Black Abyss Army, so it's only natural for you to fight the Soul Hall and the Soul Clan, as is the duty of every Black Abyss soldier!" Xiao Xun'er huffed. The Black Abyss Army token she'd given him had initially just been to cover up the embarrassment of handing him the Emperor Seal Technique. But now… she didn't mind using it to her advantage.
"What if I refuse?" Lu Bu snorted, his tone icy.
"Refuse? That would be disobedience on the battlefield and insubordination. Naturally, your token would be reclaimed, along with your position in the Black Abyss Army," Xiao Xun'er said with a sigh, feigning regret.
"Take it back, then. Who cares about your Black Abyss Army?" Lu Bu scoffed disdainfully.
"It's not just the Black Abyss Army. It's also the Emperor Seal Technique," Xiao Xun'er said coldly.
Lu Bu's eyes narrowed. Reclaiming the technique clearly meant killing him. In the original story, when Xiao Xun'er handed the Emperor Seal Technique to Xiao Yan, she had warned him about this. Xiao Yan had heeded the warning and never used the technique in front of the Gu Clan.
This was why, whenever Xiao Yan encountered Black Abyss commanders using the Emperor Seal Technique, he could easily counter it without them knowing how he'd learned it.
"So? Are you still leaving?" Xiao Xun'er asked, her beautiful eyes glinting mischievously.
"Nope," Lu Bu said flatly, suddenly raising his hand to wipe his face. Activating his Thousand Illusions Transformation Technique, he instantly transformed into Xiao Yan's likeness, grinning wickedly.
"Heh heh, Xun'er, my dear little sister, what do you think? Should I use this face to chat with the young ladies of other ancient clans?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Xiao Xun'er's eyes widened, and she shouted angrily.
"Ah, how could I, as Xiao Yan, waste my youthful charm? Surely I must share my… spirit with others!" Lu Bu sighed dramatically, rubbing his chin in mock contemplation. "Take, for example, Lady Huo Zhi of the Yan Clan, or Miss Yao Ling of the Yao Clan. Aren't they outstanding beauties? Heh heh heh… Xun'er, you wouldn't want your dear Xiao Yan to become infamous among the ancient clans, would you?"
"Shut up!" Xiao Xun'er trembled with rage, her entire body quaking. "If you dare use Xiao Yan's face to stir up trouble, I'll kill you myself!"
"Well then… farewell, Lady Xun'er!" Lu Bu smiled victoriously, waved his hand, and disappeared, leaving no trace behind.
Dealing with Xiao Xun'er was too easy. Threaten her using Xiao Yan, and you'd have her eating out of your hand.
From a distance, Ling Quan and Yang Hao sighed in disappointment. Looks like they wouldn't get to see Gu Yao and the others get beaten up after all.
As for Lu Bu's method of dealing with Xiao Xun'er, the two commanders wisely chose to ignore it. Only Lu Bu would dare pull a stunt like that. If they tried something similar, Xiao Xun'er would slap them straight into the Heavenly Tomb.
"But… if you really want me to fight the Soul Hall, I might consider it," Lu Bu suddenly said, his tone shifting.
"What do you mean?" Xiao Xun'er raised an eyebrow.
"Pay me." Lu Bu grinned slyly.
"What do you want?" Xiao Xun'er asked, her interest piqued. Binding the Taixu Ancient Dragon to their side was worth some price, after all.
"A Heaven rank technique. Fire attribute," Lu Bu said, rubbing his hands together expectantly.
"Goodbye!" Xiao Xun'er rolled her eyes and rejected him without hesitation.
Even Xiao Yan didn't have such a thing how dare you ask for one? Dream on!
"Then we have nothing to talk about?" Lu Bu sighed theatrically.
"A Heaven rank technique is impossible it's far too valuable. Choose something else," Xiao Xun'er replied.
"Fine, I'll settle for the Earth Core Soul Essence. Give me that, and I'll fight the Soul Clan for you," Lu Bu said, looking slightly aggrieved, as if he were making a huge concession.
"Earth Core Soul Essence?" Xiao Xun'er frowned. She wasn't an alchemist and wasn't familiar with it, but it didn't seem like a big deal.
"Alright, I'll agree," she said after a moment of thought. Compared to a Heaven rank technique, this was acceptable.
From a distance, Yang Hao and Ling Quan exchanged delighted glances. Clearly, this guy was different from Xiao Yan he had no interest in Lady Xun'er. More importantly, this meant others would have to share in their "suffering" soon enough!
"Good. Remember our agreement," Lu Bu said with a light chuckle, turning to leave.
"Hey, where are you going?" Xiao Xun'er asked with a frown. They had just finalized the deal.
"I'm going to write to my wives," Lu Bu replied with a roll of his eyes. "I need to explain everything so they don't get the wrong idea."
Xiao Xun'er pouted slightly, annoyed but said nothing.
Hmph… I'll write this down as well so that Xiao Yan can explain it all to me later.
(Chapter ends.)
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