"Roar—!"
In the face of life and death, the Purple-Black Flame Dragon acted decisively. With a long roar, it paused, and a miniature fire dragon, about ten feet long, suddenly shot out from its thousands-foot-long body.
Swift as lightning, fierce as fire!
The Purple-Black Flame Dragon flicked its tail, flanking to the side, and spewed a mouthful of dragon flame at Lü Qiu.
Boom!
The dragon flame suddenly erupted, shooting out like a streak of lightning, seemingly piercing through heaven and earth. The scorching dragon flame left an incomparably black mark on the space of the star field.
"Hahaha... Foolish human, die!"
Faced with this sudden attack of strange fire, Lü Qiu raised an eyebrow, as if he was terrified by this attack and did not know how to deal with it.
Boom!
A loud explosion suddenly erupted, and the violent purple-black flames instantly engulfed Lü Qiu.
"Hahaha... Arrogant humans, what good is strength? Sooner or later they will fall to my hand... Hahaha!" The purple-black dragon laughed triumphantly.
However, the next moment, its bright yellow dragon eyes suddenly widened, its majestic dragon face filled with blankness:
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
A figure slowly emerged from the purple-black dragon flames. The terrifying high temperature and raging flames did not cause any harm to the person, not even a hair on their clothes was damaged.
"Not bad reaction, actually abandoning the body in an instant and knowing how to use the soul to deal with it, but... that's all!" Lu Yu's lips curled slightly, his palm imprint ready to be unleashed, held back.
"What's going on?" The Three Thousand Burning Flames roared repeatedly. Even a peak Dou Zun could not ignore its flames.
But the next moment, it immediately understood the reason. A layer of dark light swirled around its skin, like a strange membrane.
The scorching flames would be completely devoured upon contact, unable to break through the defense of this dark membrane.
"What...what is this?" the purplish-black flame dragon exclaimed.
"The Devouring Membrane..." Lü Qiu chuckled, "It's alright if you don't understand. You'll understand once you regain your consciousness."
With that, Lü Qiu's figure flashed, appearing abruptly above the purplish-black flame dragon, his dark Devouring Seal pressing down.
*Poof!*
A muffled sound rang out, the deep palm print transforming into a black hole, violently shredding the ten-foot-long dragon.
"Ahhh..." The purplish-black flame dragon frantically twisted its body, attempting to escape, but the violent suction of the black hole prevented it from breaking free, only allowing it to watch itself being torn apart bit by bit.
Lü Qiu's eyes slightly closed, he sat cross-legged in mid-air, black light surging from his body, thousands of Devouring Chains bursting forth like sharp swords, deeply piercing the purplish-black flame dragon's body, devouring and refining the vast energy accumulated by the Three Thousand Burning Flames over countless years.
...
Time passed slowly, and Hei Qing sat listlessly in the void, looking at the endless black light before him, so bored he kept picking his toes.
Of course, Hei Qing wouldn't actually pick his toes; instead, he sat cross-legged and began cultivating.
Time passed quietly, and just as Hei Qing was immersed in cultivation, a dark golden light pierced through the endless void, tearing open a spatial rift and appearing before him.
"Hmm?" Hei Qing's thick brows furrowed, and he subconsciously took the light, but the moment he touched it, his expression changed drastically: "Dragon... Dragon Emperor bloodline?"
"No... something's not right, calm down..." Hei Qing took a deep breath, rereading the information, and after a moment, slowly raised his head, his brows furrowed.
Lü Qiu had said that the dragon's might on his body was caused by cultivating a special fighting technique, and that during the cultivation process he had obtained some essence blood from a cub of the ancient dragon clan, and that he could see the cub if he followed him for a month or so.
Calculating the time... it's been about a month now, could it be...?
A glint flashed in Hei Qing's eyes. Could it be that Lü Qiu's dragon's might was so powerful, feeling even purer than his own bloodline? So that's how it is.
"But if that's the case, it's hard to say whether this dragon queen's descendant will be willing to return to the clan..." Hei Qing's lips twitched as he looked at the endless black light before him. In the end, this matter still needed Lü Qiu; otherwise, even if they forcibly brought the dragon queen's descendant back, the other party wouldn't be willing.
If he developed rebellious intentions in the future, it would definitely be a disaster for Donglong Island.
"Well... let's wait a little longer, a month. If it doesn't work, I'll go myself..." Hei Qing sighed slightly. He would only wait for Lü Qiu for a month. After a month, regardless of whether Lü Qiu had emerged from seclusion, he would leave.
Northern Region of Zhongzhou, Tianmu Mountain!
Boom!
A powerful aura suddenly erupted from the blood pool of Tianmu Mountain, and a purple-gold light surged up, as dazzling and brilliant as the sun.
Within Tianmu Mountain, countless birds and beasts cried out in alarm, trembling under the majestic dragon's might.
Countless low-level gold-devouring rats were so frightened that they kicked their legs, foaming at the mouth and collapsing to the ground.
"Not good!" Medusa, who was cultivating, suddenly changed her expression. She flashed and appeared above Zi Yan, a vast expanse of silver light surging from her palm, instantly enveloping Zi Yan and concealing her terrifying aura.
Deep within Tianmu Mountain, an old man with a pointed, beady face wiped away sweat. That girl was also a magical beast?
What kind of magical beast was she? How could her pressure be even more terrifying than that woman's?
It was truly terrifying, and even more terrifying was that they had gathered together. Who in the world could subdue these two terrifying women?
Before the thought subsided, another aura rose, a long, clear wind howled, and a whirlwind danced wildly. A gust of wind swept through the entire Tianmu Mountain range, and for the first time, the damp air felt refreshing.
It was that elegant woman who had advanced!
"This… one of them advanced, and the other advanced to a higher level?" Jin Shi was speechless. Was the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool really that effective?
How come I've been soaking in it for so many years and never knew?
"These women are terrifying..." Jin Gu muttered to himself, wondering who was so powerful as to have gathered them all together.
Just then, a beautiful white figure flew over, her hair flowing freely, a full head of silver.
"Gentlemen, we apologize for the inconvenience caused. We have important matters to attend to and must take our leave!"
Her voice was melodious, like pearls falling on a jade plate, yet icy cold, like ancient ice, keeping everyone at arm's length.
"If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to my Gold-Eating Rat Clan!" Jin Shi laughed heartily, unconcerned.
"Farewell!" Little Fairy Doctor nodded slightly, her graceful figure flashing as she flew towards Yun Yun and Medusa.
"Let's go, let's go to the Pill Domain." Medusa smiled as she saw everyone arrive, but her gaze shifted, noticing Little Fairy Doctor's somewhat pale face.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"Let's go, let's go find Lü Qiu!" Zi Yan exclaimed excitedly. Now that she was a Dou Zong, she was definitely stronger than Lü Qiu!
"Let's go..." Medusa took Little Fairy Doctor's hand and pulled her forward.
Yun Yun's eyebrows furrowed slightly, her red lips pursed beneath her veil, but she didn't ask anything. Instead, she led Zi Yan behind Medusa and Little Fairy Doctor.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem with your Calamity Poison Body?" Medusa asked softly from ahead. She could feel that Little Fairy Doctor's hands were extremely cold, and something was wrong with her body.
"It's because of the energy tide of Tianmu Mountain." Little Fairy Doctor pursed her red lips and said calmly, "The energy tide of Tianmu Mountain not only suppresses the fighting qi in my body, but the berserk factor in it also affects the fighting qi. As a result, the seal on my Calamity Poison Body has loosened."
"Don't worry, a few days of rest and recuperation will do you good."
Hearing this, Medusa frowned. "Then you should rest well these few days. I'll take care of everything."
She didn't blame Little Fairy Doctor for not saying so beforehand; it wouldn't have mattered anyway. The four of them couldn't be separated!
They were unfamiliar with Zhongzhou, and given their conflict with the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, it wasn't safe for them. Besides, don't forget, the Soul Palace's headquarters was in Zhongzhou. If something happened, it would be troublesome.
Little Fairy Doctor was important, but Yun Yun and Zi Yan were important too!
Lü Qiu… as long as they found Lü Qiu, all the problems could be solved!
Medusa bit her red lips slightly, a hint of longing and urgency flashing in her long, beautiful eyes. With him, no difficulty in this world was insurmountable!
"Mm…" Little Fairy Doctor nodded slightly.
…
A few days later, Tianmu Mountain!
"Thank goodness, that woman is finally gone…" Jin Shi wiped his sweat and breathed a sigh of relief. The weight that had been pressing on his heart for so long was finally lifted.
Beside him, Jin Gu also wore a relieved smile. Even during the days the other party had been gone, their Gold-Eating Rat clan hadn't dared to relax in the slightest. It wasn't until the little rat in the clan brought news that the other party had entered a spatial wormhole that the two Gold-Eating Rat members finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Is there anyone left in the Blood Pool?" Jin Gu asked, his gaze shifting.
"Is there one last one? His companions are waiting for him," Jin Shi said, glancing at the Heavenly Mountain Platform.
"Hmm?" Jin Gu frowned upon hearing this. "So much time has passed, why haven't they driven him away?"
The Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool can absorb people, but the other party can't just stay here indefinitely, can he?
"Are you sure?" Jin Shi said, "Some time ago, Venerable Feng secretly met with the Ancestor. This kid... Venerable Feng specifically requested that the old man take care of him."
"Is that so?" Jin Gu was dumbfounded. Even Venerable Feng's personal disciple, Mu Qingluan, probably didn't receive this kind of treatment. Who was that ordinary-looking kid? With such great power?
"So, let him stay put, as long as he's not afraid of the fire poison." Jin Shi shrugged; it wouldn't matter to his Gold-Eating Rat clan if he died anyway.
However, before he finished speaking, a sudden roar echoed through the heavens and earth, and a powerful aura surged up, violently rising from the blood pool. A
scorching heat howled, and purplish-brown flames spread across Tianmu Mountain.
"Another person has broken through to the Dou Zong realm?" Jin Shi and Jin Gu were stunned. This wasn't right. When did this blood pool become so powerful? One after another, people had broken through to the Dou Zong realm through it.
How come no one in our Gold-Eating Rat clan could do that?
"Something's not right. Those flames are very strange!" Jin Gu's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice. He sensed an extremely violent fire attribute energy within the purplish-brown flames.
The violence of this power far surpassed that of the blood pool's fire poison!
"This is… could it be a strange fire?" Jin Shi's heart stirred, and he considered a possibility.
"Shall we go take a look?" Jin Gu suggested.
"Of course!" Jin Shi's narrow eyes narrowed slightly. This person was very likely an alchemist; it would be ideal to befriend him.
Above, Xiao Yan's eyes were closed, his surging soul power coursing through him. Following the fire mark left by Yao Lao between his brows, a wisp of thought quietly searched for it.
However, just as he was about to see his teacher, a sharp pain shot through his soul, and that thought was forcibly crushed and completely annihilated.
Xiao Yan abruptly opened his eyes, his aura surging, a dark glint flashing in his eyes.
Damn the Soul Palace! They kidnapped my father and injured my teacher! If I don't avenge this, I, Xiao Yan, swear I'm not human!
You just wait!
Below, Lin Yan looked at Xiao Yan, who stood in mid-air, with envy, and sighed with deep emotion. It was too much.
It was only natural for Senior Sister Zi Yan to advance to Dou Zong, after all, she was the number one on the Strong Ranking, with formidable strength. But how did Xiao Yan also become a Dou Zong? It
truly made one envious and jealous!
"No, I can't be the only one suffering. Others have to feel it too," Lin Yan gritted his teeth, secretly resentful.
At that moment, Xiao Yan slowly descended, but just as he was about to leave with Lin Yan, two figures flashed towards them from afar.
Xiao Yan frowned, but then his eyes darted around, and he released his soul power, letting out a sigh of relief after confirming there wasn't a terrifying older sister who could kill someone with a single sword strike.
Raising an eyebrow, a smile appeared on Xiao Yan's face: "Senior Lin Yan, could you do me a favor?"
"Huh?" Lin Yan was completely confused. What?
...
Whoosh!
A gray shadow flashed, and two somewhat shifty-eyed old men in gray robes appeared before Lin Yan and Xiao Yan.
"Hahaha... Sir, congratulations on advancing to the Dou Zong realm." Jin Gu laughed loudly, his small eyes narrowing into slits. They were indeed alchemists; their scent was incredibly memorable.
"I am Jin Shi, patriarch of the Gold-Eating Rat clan..." Jin Shi said.
However, before he could finish speaking, Xiao Yan's lips curled into a faint smile: "Clan Chief Jin Shi, I foresee your days are numbered!"
"What?" Jin Gu was shocked, his mustache twitching violently, almost biting his tongue.
"Boy, what makes you say such a thing?" Jin Shi's expression darkened, and he couldn't help but whisper sharply.
"Hehe... Seniors, you probably don't know who my brother is, do you?" Lin Yan shook his head and said in a low voice:
"This is the number one alchemy genius in the Dou Qi Continent in a thousand years. Let me prove it with a poem:
At the end of alchemy, who is the peak? Upon seeing Lü Bu, the Dao becomes empty. Alchemy
is endless and without end, the Heavenly Cauldron of Strange Fire suppresses the heavens!" "
What?"
Jin Shi and Jin Gu were immediately dumbfounded. What an arrogant tone! The last time someone spoke so arrogantly was when Xiao Yan was only a Dou Di candidate.
Immediately, the two men's lips twitched, a hint of mockery appearing on their faces. Could this kid be trying to emulate the legendary Xiao Yan and gain fame through this?
Facing the gazes of the two senior members of the Gold-Eating Rat clan, Lin Yan couldn't help but pick at the soles of his shoes with his toes. How embarrassing!
Goosebumps were rising on his skin!
"Ahem… please forgive me, seniors, my brother's words are not to be taken to heart." Xiao Yan coughed twice, then put his hands behind his back, his face becoming serious. "But it is an undeniable fact that Senior Jin Shi's days are numbered."
"If I am not mistaken, it must be because of the fire poison in the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, right?"
Upon hearing this, Jin Shi and Jin Gu instantly snapped out of their daze, the mockery that had appeared on their faces due to their arrogant words vanishing in an instant.
He pinpointed the cause of his illness in a single sentence, something even seventh-grade alchemists hadn't achieved. This man, though boastful, was certainly no ordinary person!
"Mr. Lü, please save me!" Jin Shi dusted off his gray robe, straightened his clothes, and bowed respectfully.
"Senior, there's no need for that. I've received a favor, so naturally I won't refuse. Please sit, I'll examine you!" Xiao Yan gestured, then sat cross-legged on the ground of the Heavenly Mountain Platform.
Seeing this, the two Dou Zong, the Devouring Gold Rat, were filled with respect. Truly a genius in alchemy, so unpretentious—he was indeed extraordinary!
(End of Chapter)