Chapter 369: My Endurance Comes From Xun'er Xun'er is the Best!
Listening to the conversation between Lu Bu and Xiao Yan, the members of the Soul, Medicine, and Stone Clans watched Lu Bu with varying emotions. Hun Yu took a deep breath, his gaze dark and sinister. Whether the person before them was Lu Bu or Xiao Yan, something was definitely off.
The power of devouring was Lord Void's exclusive domain. Such pure devouring energy could only come from Lord Void himself. But why was it now appearing in someone else?
Hun Yu couldn't help but suspect that the clan's millennia long grand plan might have involved placing hidden pawns among these people.
"Damn it… Whether you're Lu Bu or Xiao Yan, you'll both die in the third layer!" Hun Hu clenched his fists, his bloodshot eyes brimming with fury. He had never suffered such humiliation in his life.
"Exactly. Both of them must die!" Hun Yu said coldly, taking a deep breath. He didn't care about the clan's grand plan his enemy had already pressed a blade to his throat and cut off one of his arms.
Such hatred could not simply be brushed aside!
The two members of the Stone Clan exchanged glances, looking somewhat confused. They had only lost a few energy cores and hadn't suffered the same grievous injuries as Hun Yu, Hun Hu, or Yao Xingji. Though annoyed, they didn't feel an irreconcilable hatred.
"Forget it… let's just consider it a loss to avoid further disaster," one of the Stone Clan members said with a sigh. They knew neither the Taixu Ancient Dragons nor the Ancient Clan were opponents they could afford to provoke. Compared to the Soul Clan and Medicine Clan, their situation was far better.
Not far away, members of the Flame and Thunder Clans exchanged relieved glances. They silently thanked the heavens that the misfortune befalling the other three clans hadn't landed on them.
"Lu Bu, the Medicine Clan demands an explanation!" Yao Yi shouted, his voice sharp and cold. Unlike the vengeful but patient Soul Clan or the resigned Stone Clan, the Medicine Clan chose not to hold back and openly voiced their anger.
I refuse to believe you'd dare to act recklessly in front of so many people!
Yao Xingji straightened his back, his sharp eyes full of pride. As a member of the Medicine Clan, the largest and most powerful clan under heaven, not even the Ancient Clan or Soul Clan could treat him this way.
How could a nobody like Lu Bu, who didn't even have Dou Di bloodline powers, dare to do so?
"An explanation? What kind of explanation do you want?" Qing Lin said with a faint smile, her tone dripping with disdain. "You mean for the fact that you tried to ambush us but got your arm cut off in return?"
"Pfft…"
"Tsk tsk… How pathetic!"
"As expected of the Medicine Clan, both weak and full of themselves…"
Before Qing Lin could finish her words, mocking laughter erupted from the crowd. The Medicine Clan's arrogance and condescension were infamous they looked down even on powerful clans like the Ancient Clan and Soul Clan, let alone lesser clans. Naturally, many people were eager to see them humiliated.
"You impersonated someone else and robbed us of our storage rings! You must give us an explanation for that!" Yao Xingji shouted angrily.
Boom!
Before his voice could fade, an overwhelming aura exploded from Lu Bu. The pressure swept across the area like a violent storm.
Crack, crack, crack!
Under Lu Bu's feet, the ground fractured into a web of pitch black cracks, chilling to the core.
"I'll give you one chance to rephrase your words," Lu Bu said, his tone calm yet filled with an unmistakable edge. "Tell me again who robbed your storage rings?"
A trace of purple black flame danced on Lu Bu's fingertips, writhing like a nimble serpent.
A one turn Dou Zun?!
The crowd gasped in shock. They hadn't expected Lu Bu's strength to be this formidable.
Xiao Yan let out a helpless sigh. He had always thought he could catch up to Lu Bu, but it seemed that no matter how hard he tried, Lu Bu was always a step ahead…
"Xiao Yan it was Xiao Yan!"
The two Medicine Clan members broke into a cold sweat, their teeth gritted in frustration as they shifted the blame. "It was Xiao Yan who robbed us of our storage rings. We apologize we must have mistaken you for him…"
Boom!
Before they could finish, another powerful aura exploded. This time, golden light radiated outward, accompanied by an intense heat that made even their Dou Qi feel as if it were about to ignite.
"I'll give you one chance to rephrase your words," Xiao Xun'er said coldly, her voice clear and melodious. Her entire body glowed with a golden light as she stared at the two with a faint smile.
The Medicine Clan members' faces turned ashen. They had just escaped Lu Bu's wrath, only to fall into Xiao Xun'er's clutches. They never expected Xiao Xun'er to be so unyielding.
"Hmm?" Seeing no response, Xiao Xun'er's golden flames flared, her gaze sharpening.
"No one robbed us it was my own mistake!" Yao Xingji took a deep breath, forcing the words through gritted teeth. "I lost it myself. No one took it it was my own carelessness!"
"Heh…" Both Lu Bu and Xiao Xun'er exchanged glances, their lips curling into mocking smiles as they watched Yao Xingji's disgraceful display.
Standing not far away, Xiao Yan opened his mouth, unsure of what to say. Seeing Lu Bu and Xiao Xun'er standing side by side like this… How could they be so similar?
"Ahem… Alright, everyone, now that we're all here, let's get down to business." Gu Qingyang coughed lightly, his voice steady and commanding. "The entrance to the third layer has become solidified with energy, making it impassable. If we want to enter, we'll have to break through by force."
The faces of the Soul Clan and Medicine Clan members darkened immediately. If they couldn't reach the third layer, wouldn't that mean they had no chance for revenge? Would they really have to let Lu Bu get away with everything he'd done?
The Medicine Clan members exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with vicious determination. No. We can't let this humiliation go unanswered. We'll make him kneel like a dog before our ancestors!
Gu Qingyang's gaze swept across the group as he continued, "The energy storm is sweeping through the second layer. If we don't reach the third layer… the consequences will be dire."
"So, what do you say? Let's all join forces to break through the crystalline wall," he suggested.
"Commander Qingyang is right. I agree."
Hun Yu took a deep breath and nodded. He had to get to the third layer. Whether it was Lu Bu or Xiao Yan, the shame of his defeat and his severed arm demanded vengeance. He couldn't let this go.
"I have no objections."
"Agreed! Let's hurry the storm is getting closer!"
"Fine, let's do it!"
"Not so fast." Lu Bu's calm voice interrupted the discussion. "This crystalline barrier has been solidified for as long as the eight clans have known about it. Haven't you ever wondered why?"
"How do you know it's never melted?" Gu Qingyang asked, visibly startled.
The others also looked at Lu Bu in shock. This was a secret known only to the eight Imperial Clans. Even Xiao Yan had no idea. How could Lu Bu, someone without a bloodline, possibly know?
Xun'er must've told him… Lu Bu's lips curled into a faint smile as he replied cryptically, "I have… unique sources of information."
Xiao Yan's eye twitched. That line sounded all too familiar he'd heard it far too many times.
"Ahem… Let's get back on track. Brother Lu Bu, do you know why the entrance to the third layer has remained solidified?" Lei Chen asked, his curiosity piqued.
Hearing this, everyone turned to Lu Bu, their interest evident. Even Xiao Xun'er couldn't hide her curiosity what was the reason?
In response, Lu Bu waved his sleeve, sending a streak of purple black flames crashing into the crystalline barrier.
Boom!
With a muffled sound, a fist sized hole appeared in the crystalline wall. The intense heat of the flames melted part of the barrier into a viscous liquid, which dripped slowly to the ground.
Lu Bu stared at the crystalline wall, smacking his lips in appreciation. What a treasure… If I could use the Devouring Ancestral Symbol on this, I'd hit the jackpot.
But alas, with so many people around, he couldn't reveal the symbol. Not to mention, beyond this barrier lay Xiao Xuan, a peak Dou Sheng. Lu Bu had to tread carefully.
Drip, drip, drip.
As the liquid dripped down, a series of strange muffled sounds suddenly echoed, startling everyone. They quickly moved closer to investigate.
"Are these… insects?" Huo Xuan inspected the powder on the ground, his expression grave as he spoke in a heavy tone.
"There are so many of them?" Lei Chen was equally shocked. Just a few drops of liquid had produced enough tiny insects to fill half a palm.
"Ancient Devouring Insects…" Gu Qingyang's face darkened as he gazed at the endless energy barrier stretching from the ground to the sky. "This is actually a massive insect nest…"
"Damn it… what now?" Hun Hu growled impatiently, unable to contain his frustration. Were they supposed to just wait for the energy storm to obliterate them? If that were the case, he might as well fight Lu Bu now and at least die seeking revenge.
Hun Yu remained silent, but his eyes burned with fury. Whether he ran or stayed, death awaited him. In that case, why not die fighting?
Xiao Yan pressed his lips together tightly. If they couldn't reach the third layer, he would lose the chance to visit the tomb of his ancestor, Xiao Xuan. A flash of agitation flickered in his eyes, but he remained silent. After years of knowing Lu Bu, he understood how unfathomable the man was. Lu Bu always had a plan and was unlikely to let the situation get out of control.
"Ancient Devouring Insects fear fire, especially Heavenly Flames. Dealing with them isn't difficult," Lu Bu said calmly, brushing the dust off his sleeve.
As soon as he spoke, everyone's spirits lifted instantly. Heavenly Flames? Among those present, there was certainly no shortage of them!
Huo Zhi of the Flame Clan had the Red Lotus Karma Flame. Yao Xingji of the Medicine Clan wielded the Nine Nether Wind Flame. And both Lu Bu and Xiao Yan were Heavenly Flame users as well.
"In that case, Lu Bu, hurry and break through this energy barrier!" Yao Xingji's eyes glinted as he barked, "You're the strongest among us. You should take the lead!"
"Heh… in your dreams!" Lu Bu scoffed. "You're the ones desperate to reach the third layer, not me. Why should I tire myself out for your sake?"
"This energy barrier can shield me from the storm, so I'm not in a rush."
As he spoke, Lu Bu glanced subtly at Xiao Xun'er. Her strength wasn't inferior to his, and she also possessed the Golden Emperor Burning Heaven Flame, one of the most fearsome Heavenly Flames in existence. Her power far exceeded the imaginations of those present. However… she seemed unwilling to step forward.
Lu Bu's response left everyone speechless. It was true that those with Heavenly Flames could break through the barrier, but it would take them much longer than Lu Bu.
They had come here to cultivate, not to waste time doing grunt work. Moreover, even if they managed to create a passage, the Ancient Devouring Insects would likely repair it within twenty years long before the Heavenly Tomb opened again.
In the end, while having Lu Bu break through wasn't the only solution, it was undoubtedly the most efficient one.
"Ahem… Commander, I think Lu Bu's reasoning makes sense," Gu Hua coughed lightly and said. "The storm is approaching fast, and none of us want to be caught in it. Let's break through the barrier quickly."
"If there's anything you need, just let us know, and we'll help however we can."
"Hahaha… Gu Hua is right," Lei Chen laughed heartily. "Don't worry, Commander. We won't let you work for free!"
As he spoke, he waved his arm, and five nine star energy cores flew out.
"Tsk tsk… Generous!" Lu Bu's eyes lit up at the sight.
Nearby, the others couldn't help but twitch their lips in frustration, secretly cursing Lei Chen for being a fool. So many energy cores, just handed over like that?
Lei Chen crossed his arms indifferently. Lu Bu had saved his life before, and a few energy cores were nothing in comparison.
"Here, Brother Lu Bu, take these. It's only fair." The two members of the Flame Clan, hiding their pain, forced smiles as they handed over several nine star energy cores.
They had hoped to avoid being looted, but in the end, there was no escape.
Gu Qingyang and Gu Hua sighed quietly before tossing five nine star energy cores into the pile. This trip to the second layer of the Heavenly Tomb… was a complete waste.
They had planned to give just one or two as a gesture of goodwill, but Lei Chen's actions had raised the stakes too high.
The Stone Clan members clenched their jaws and threw out about ten eight star energy cores. While their quality was inferior, they made up for it in quantity.
"You greedy bastard!" Xiao Yan grumbled through clenched teeth as he tossed three nine star energy cores into the pile, clearly irritated.
Finally, it was the Soul and Medicine Clans' turn.
The four members froze awkwardly. They had nothing left every energy core and belonging had been taken by Lu Bu or Xiao Yan. All they had left were their clothes and Dou Qi.
"Fine. I know you four are broke. I won't make things harder for you just stay at the back of the line," Lu Bu said dismissively, brushing his sleeve.
"You…!" The four members of the Soul and Medicine Clans were trembling with rage, their veins bulging as they glared at Lu Bu. His condescending words felt more humiliating than outright robbery.
To their proud clans, such "mercy" was a greater insult than losing their belongings!
"Hehe…" Qing Lin chuckled softly, gathering all the nine star energy cores. She now had twenty or thirty of them in her possession.
However, of these, only five or six had been obtained through her own efforts in battle. The rest had all been "acquired" from others.
Boom!
A massive purple black flame surged up, and a towering fire dragon over a hundred meters long formed beside Lu Bu. Its searing heat distorted the air around it.
Qing Lin lightly tapped her foot, landing gracefully beside Lu Bu.
Whoosh!
The fire dragon roared silently as it shot forward, slamming into the thick energy barrier.
Pfft!
With a muffled sound, the fire dragon easily pierced through the barrier, melting a hole as effortlessly as a finger poking through soft clay.
"Let's go," Lu Bu said, wrapping an arm around Qing Lin's slender waist as he stepped through the opening.
The others were overjoyed and quickly followed behind.
"You… how is your Dou Qi so enduring?" Xiao Yan asked in astonishment, his body flickering with silver light as he used the Three Thousand Lightning Movement to keep up with Lu Bu. Staring at the enormous fire dragon and Lu Bu's calm, composed demeanor, Xiao Yan couldn't help but be amazed.
"Heh… a one turn Dou Zun is far beyond what a mere five star Dou Zun like you can comprehend," Lu Bu replied with a sidelong glance.
Xiao Yan: "…"
"Actually, my endurance is all thanks to Xun'er," Lu Bu continued, smirking. "Without the Heaven tier cultivation technique she gave me, how could I manage this? Xun'er is the best!"
Xiao Yan: "…"
So infuriating!
"There's no need to thank me," Xiao Xun'er said calmly, glancing at Lu Bu. "Defeating Hun Yu and achieving such accomplishments deserve rewards."
Behind them, Hun Yu's eyes burned with rage. So it really was Lu Bu! I've been reduced to this state… all because of him!
"Oh, it's all thanks to Xiao Yan as well," Lu Bu added, chuckling as he shamelessly lied. "If it weren't for him and Yao Zun using their soul powers to hold off Hun Yu, I wouldn't have had the chance to ambush him."
Hun Yu's face twisted with even more fury. His hatred was driving him to madness!
"That's nonsense! I never helped you against Hun Yu I was just a Dou Huang back then!" Xiao Yan shouted angrily.
"Funny. I was a Dou Huang at the time too," Lu Bu replied with a sly grin. Let's see you explain your way out of this one!
The other members of the Imperial Clans quietly averted their gazes. This was getting weird… and none of them wanted to get involved.
(End of Chapter.)
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