Chapter 271: Thirty Years East of the River… Xiao Yan, Just You Wait!
Faced with countless gazes, the girl's face turned pale. She realized she had caused trouble!
But Lu Bu simply chuckled, calm and composed as usual. However, as he looked at the pretty girl in the light blue dress before him, his brow raised slightly, and a thought crossed his mind.
Within the territory of the Pill Tower, there was likely only one person who would refer to Xiao Yan as "Senior" Ye Xinlan of the Ye Clan!
"You're… Ye Xinlan?" Lu Bu asked with a thoughtful smile after a brief moment of consideration.
"Y yes…" Ye Xinlan stammered, visibly flustered. She hadn't expected this "Senior Xiao Yan" to immediately identify her.
"And you must be Elder Ye Zhong?" Lu Bu's gaze shifted to the old man standing beside her.
"I am Ye Zhong, Great Elder of the Ye Clan," Ye Zhong said, quickly bowing in respect. The strength behind the earlier clap from the burly man like the weight of a mountain left him completely helpless. This kind of power could not belong to a mere nobody!
"I need to take an alchemist badge test. Could you… lend me a hand?" Lu Bu asked with a smile as he glanced meaningfully at the crowd around them.
Ye Zhong paused for a moment before understanding Lu Bu's intentions.
"Well…" Ye Zhong hesitated, his expression flickering slightly before he clenched his teeth and nodded. "Senior Xiao Yan, please wait here for a moment. I'll handle the arrangements."
For someone with such strength, the Ye Clan would do everything in its power to establish friendly ties!
"Then I must thank Elder Ye Zhong in advance," Lu Bu replied with a chuckle.
He wanted to quickly obtain the Three Thousand Burning Flames, and waiting obediently in the queue might take far too long. With help from the Ye Clan a local powerhouse things could move much faster.
Ye Zhong cupped his hands respectfully, then disappeared into the crowd.
"Uh… Senior Xiao Yan, I'm sorry… I didn't mean to cause trouble…" Ye Xinlan apologized softly, clearly embarrassed by her earlier outburst.
"It's fine," Lu Bu said with a shake of his head, unconcerned.
Nearby, Hei Qing's expression grew dark as he noticed the crowd still staring. His face flashed with anger as he roared, "What are you looking at?! Want me to bite your heads off?!"
A wave of ferocious, bloodthirsty energy burst forth.
The pampered alchemists around them screamed in fright, their faces turning pale as they stumbled backward in panic.
Halfway through retreating, however, many suddenly remembered where they were this was the Pill Tower! No one would dare cause trouble here.
Their faces turned red with embarrassment and anger, but none dared to act out.
Though Hei Qing hadn't unleashed his full aura, the sheer bloodthirst emanating from him was enough to strike terror into their hearts. This wasn't someone they could provoke!
"So, this Xiao Yan isn't simple after all."
"What a terrifying presence! How did that ordinary looking guy convince such a strong person to follow him?"
"I don't know… Why don't you go over and ask him yourself?"
"Get lost! I'm not an idiot!"
"No wonder he doesn't even fear the Soul Hall. This guy is the real deal!"
The crowd once again buzzed with noise, but this time, there was more fear and awe in their voices.
Hei Qing rolled his neck, venting some of his frustration, and calmed down significantly.
Meanwhile, Ye Xinlan was intently observing Hei Qing. No wonder even our Great Elder, a peak Dou Zong, couldn't resist him. This man's strength is simply overwhelming.
Before long, Ye Zhong reappeared in front of Lu Bu, his figure flashing into view.
"Senior Xiao Yan, there's a special testing point available for you to take the exam. However…" A trace of hesitation appeared on Ye Zhong's face before he continued, "The Cao Clan will also be there."
The Cao Clan, one of the Five Great Families of the Pill Region, was currently at the height of its power. Unlike the declining Ye Clan, the Cao Clan was thriving, second only to the main Pill Tower itself.
"Is that… a problem?" Lu Bu frowned. I get it, but what does the Cao Clan's strength have to do with me?
"Well…" Ye Zhong hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Today happens to be the Pill Tower's examination day for the younger generation. The event is primarily focused on testing candidates from the various sub towers and the younger members of the Five Great Families."
"One purpose of the test is to monitor and encourage the younger generation to strive for excellence. Outstanding performers may receive rewards or even attract the attention of senior Pill Tower members, earning the chance to become disciples."
"The other purpose… is more of a rehearsal for the Five Great Families' internal evaluations."
"Hmm?" Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. So, it's not the actual Five Great Families' examination? Makes sense they wouldn't need such a large scale event for that.
"And how does this concern me?" Lu Bu asked.
"Well… the special testing point today is specifically reserved for evaluating the younger generation of the Five Great Families," Ye Zhong explained. "While I've already spoken with the steward in charge and clarified your true purpose for being there… I had to use a bit of an excuse. Officially, you're there as… Xinlan's fiancé."
"Oh, I get it now… You guys have a marriage arrangement with the Cao Clan, right?" Lu Bu's eyebrows rose as he suddenly understood.
He vaguely recalled that in the original story, the Ye Clan had intended to marry Ye Xinlan off to a promising young member of the Cao Clan. However, Lu Bu couldn't remember the guy's name he only remembered that the Cao Clan had a certain talented girl named Cao Ying.
And now, Lu Bu was being labeled as Ye Xinlan's fiancé to secure a spot in the test. Unfortunately, this also meant he was now indirectly stepping on the toes of the Cao Clan's favored candidate for Xinlan's hand.
"Haha… If Senior Xiao Yan finds this arrangement inconvenient, perhaps we can wait until tomorrow?" Ye Zhong said with an awkward laugh. He had intended to continue explaining but was shocked to find that Lu Bu had already pieced everything together.
"No need. Lead the way," Lu Bu said, giving Ye Zhong a deep look.
If he delayed until tomorrow, Ye Zhong might no longer be around to help, leaving "Xiao Yan" to fend for himself. This old fox had likely chosen the Cao Clan's testing point on purpose was it to make "Xiao Yan" retreat, or was he testing him?
If it were the former, there would've been no need for Ye Zhong to help at all; he could've just refused outright. If it were the latter, what exactly was Ye Zhong trying to test?
Lu Bu shook his head. Whatever this old guy's plan is, I don't care. It's just the Cao Clan not like it's Burning Flame Valley or the Tang Clan.
"Right this way, Senior Xiao Yan," Ye Zhong said quickly, leading the way.
"Always scheming…" Hei Qing muttered disdainfully from behind. He turned and wandered off into the nearby streets. Since he wasn't an alchemist, he couldn't enter the testing site, but his fierce demeanor alone was enough to make the surrounding alchemists keep their distance.
Meanwhile, Ye Zhong led Lu Bu and Ye Xinlan through a guarded passage. After walking down a slightly dim corridor, they emerged into a spacious, well lit room.
The room was large, with four doorways at the far end, each labeled with a single character: Heaven (天), Earth (地), Mystic (玄), and Yellow (黄).
There were about ten people inside, dressed differently and seemingly split into two factions. Judging by their appearances, the second group likely belonged to another of the Five Great Families besides the Cao Clan.
When Lu Bu's group entered, the others merely glanced at them briefly, saying nothing.
However, upon seeing Ye Xinlan standing beside Lu Bu, a young man from the Cao Clan frowned deeply, his expression clearly displeased.
Not far away, another youth raised an eyebrow as he noticed the Cao Clan man's reaction. A playful smile appeared on his face.
"Elder Ye Zhong, is this friend of the Ye Clan? Why have I never seen him before?" the young man asked.
"Qiu Fan, this has nothing to do with you," Ye Zhong replied coolly, ignoring the youth's question entirely.
"Hahaha… This is the critical moment for the Five Great Families' assessments. How could this have nothing to do with us?" The young man called Qiu Fan shook his head and then looked at Lu Bu with a mocking smile. "This friend here isn't part of the Ye Clan, yet Elder Ye Zhong personally brought him here… Tsk tsk, could it be that he's Xinlan's husband?"
As soon as Qiu Fan spoke, the people from the Qiu Family let out chuckles, casting meaningful glances at the members of the Cao Family. Cao Clan, looks like it's your turn to face some humiliation!
The members of the Cao Family, however, didn't take this lightly. This matter touched upon the reputation of the Cao Clan, and they couldn't afford to let it slide.
The young man leading the Cao Clan frowned darkly. Although the Cao Clan and Ye Clan had only discussed a potential alliance through marriage without finalizing anything, it was rather unfortunate that he was one of the involved parties.
"Elder Ye Zhong, I'm curious as well. Care to explain?" Cao Dan's eyes swept over Xiao Yan's ordinary face before turning to Ye Zhong with a questioning look.
Seeing this, Qiu Fan chuckled quietly and sat back down, clearly unconcerned about who Ye Zhong had brought. What mattered was the chaos it would stir for the Cao Family.
"Cao Dan, what the Ye Clan does is none of your business!" Ye Xinlan's gaze turned icy as she snapped at him.
"Xinlan, as my fiancée, it seems I need to teach you what respect means!" Cao Dan's expression darkened, and the space around him began to ripple. A wave of intense heat emanated outward.
"You dare?" Ye Xinlan clenched her fists and shouted back, "There was no parental agreement, no proper arrangement, and during that time, your Cao Family you, Cao Dan looked down on me as though I wasn't worthy!"
"And now? Do you think I've suddenly become valuable?"
Ye Xinlan's cutting words left Cao Dan red faced, the veins on his forehead bulging in anger. Rage boiled over as he raised his hand, black flames swirling around his palm. A searing wind howled as he aimed to strike her.
"Stop!" Ye Zhong's expression changed drastically. He hadn't expected the situation to escalate so quickly in just a few exchanges of words.
Boom!
In that instant, a figure stepped forward to block Ye Xinlan, raising a hand to intercept the fiery attack. The scorching palm strike dissipated into harmless fragments of energy.
"Isn't it a bit unsightly for a man to strike a woman like this?" Lu Bu said calmly.
"And who are you?" Cao Dan barked, his hostility toward this newcomer palpable.
"Xiao Yan," Lu Bu replied with a faint smile, casually giving the alias he'd been using.
"Xiao Yan?!"
In an instant, everyone in the testing room leapt to their feet, their faces filled with shock as they stared at Lu Bu.
"Is this the Xiao Yan who claims to have the potential of a Dou Di?"
"The same Xiao Yan who openly defied the Soul Hall? How does he have the guts?"
"This man was able to block Cao Dan's strike… But Cao Dan is a three star Dou Zong, incredibly powerful!"
The room buzzed with whispers, all eyes fixed on Lu Bu in awe and disbelief. Whether the claim of Dou Di potential was true didn't matter; what mattered was his boldness in opposing the Soul Hall.
Many of the alchemists present had seen family members or peers targeted by the Soul Hall. Some had survived, but most were captured, their souls taken, their fates unknown.
"I don't care who you are!" Cao Dan growled, his fury reaching its peak. "Offending my Cao Clan in the Pill Region… you should know this isn't "
"Does your Cao Clan have a Dou Sheng?" Lu Bu interrupted, his tone light, with a faint smile on his face.
Cao Dan froze mid sentence. If the Cao Clan had a Dou Sheng, would they still need the Pill Tower's protection?
"Does your Cao Clan have a ninth tier alchemist?" Lu Bu continued, his tone calm and casual.
"…" Cao Dan's lips twitched. Even the Pill Tower itself didn't necessarily have a ninth tier alchemist!
"Then why do you think you have the right to threaten me?" Lu Bu chuckled lightly. "Are you telling me the Cao Clan is more terrifying than the Soul Hall?"
Before Cao Dan could respond, Lu Bu's hand shot forward. His palm struck Cao Dan's face like an iron clamp, his fingers digging painfully into Cao Dan's cheek.
Cao Dan, a proud three star Dou Zong, was left utterly humiliated.
Boom!
With a flick of his wrist, Lu Bu sent a surge of energy blasting into Cao Dan's face.
A sharp cracking sound echoed as Cao Dan's head snapped back, and he stumbled several steps before collapsing into his chair.
"Pfft…"
"Hahaha…"
From the Qiu Family's side, a suppressed laugh broke free, followed by a chorus of laughter. Cao Dan's face turned a deep shade of red, his humiliation complete.
"Xiao Yan! The strength of an alchemist lies not in their Dou Qi. Just you wait!" Cao Dan snarled through gritted teeth, his fists clenched so tightly his veins bulged.
Though he had lost in combat, it didn't matter. "Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river one day, I'll make you pay for this!"
"Oh…" Lu Bu shrugged indifferently. "Sure, I'll wait. After all, it's Xiao Yan you have a grudge against, not me, Lu Bu."
He smirked to himself. Perhaps you and Xiao Yan will get along splendidly.
"Ahem… That's enough excitement for now. Let's continue with the assessment!"
At that moment, the door marked "Earth" opened, and an elderly man with white hair stepped out, followed by a dejected looking young man.
The young man trudged to a corner without a word, his posture slumped in defeat. Clearly, his assessment had not gone well.
"Ye Clan, it's your turn. Xinlan, and you… Xiao Yan, was it?" The elderly man's gaze shifted to Lu Bu.
The atmosphere in the testing room changed instantly. Members of the Qiu and Cao Families exchanged amused glances, eager to watch the upcoming spectacle.
Every year, the Ye Clan became the laughingstock of these tests. For the Five Great Families of the Pill Region, it was a yearly tradition to enjoy the sight of the "Clown Ye Clan."
"Steward Han…" Ye Xinlan's face turned pale, and she stammered, "I'll… I'll take the fifth tier test…"
"Haha… Impressive. At least there's been some progress!"
"Indeed, last year she barely managed the fourth tier test. Quite an improvement… Hahaha!"
Han, the steward, frowned slightly at the mocking voices but maintained a kind expression. "Fifth tier is commendable. Head to the Yellow Door you may begin."
"Thank you, Steward Han."
Clenching her fists, Ye Xinlan walked toward the Yellow Door, her face pale. Despite having gone through this humiliation many times, it still stung deeply.
"And you?" Han asked, turning to Lu Bu with a smile. "Xiao Yan, what tier would you like to test for?"
"Haha, Xinlan's show is over, but now we've got another one!"
"Double the entertainment this year!"
"The Ye Clan really knows how to keep us entertained. Hahaha!"
Hearing Han's question, members of the Qiu and Cao Families looked at Lu Bu with glee, ready for another round of mockery.
Cao Dan sneered. So what if you're strong in combat? Here, alchemy is what matters most!
"Hmm…" Lu Bu's gaze darkened slightly as he recalled that Steward Han's testing limit was either high level seventh tier or mid level seventh tier.
"Would seventh tier high level suffice?" Lu Bu asked after a moment's thought. He didn't want to rush into testing for eighth tier yet he knew it was beyond Han's capacity to evaluate.
The room fell silent.
Those who had been laughing moments ago froze, their expressions stiff.
It was as if a hand had clamped down on their throats, leaving them red faced and unable to speak.
"Young man… you must be realistic," Han said with a slight frown, his tone carrying a note of fatherly advice.
(End of Chapter)
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