Chapter 378: Whoever Fights the Soul Hall, I'll Lend a Hand!
Elder Tongxuan explained the current situation in Central Plains to Xiao Yan. Half a year ago, the Earth Scorpion of the Cloud Rain Sect broke through from the peak of the eighth transition to the ninth transition of Dou Venerate. The Scorpion Demon Trio practiced identical techniques and shared linked heart methods, giving them complementary combat capabilities. Their combined strength made even Semi Saint powerhouses hesitant to engage them.
Although the trio had lost their youngest member, the Human Scorpion, the Earth Scorpion advanced further, reaching the ninth transition. Alongside the Sky Scorpion at the ninth transition peak, the duo managed to fight on par with Yao Chen.
Unhappy with this stalemate, the duo sought reinforcements from the Heaven's Underworld Sect, gathering several strong fighters to launch an attack on the recently revitalized Falling Star Pavilion.
On the first day, Yao Chen engaged the Scorpion Demon Duo in a fierce battle, with both sides sustaining significant injuries. However, the Heaven's Underworld Sect's reinforcements caused great casualties among the Falling Star Pavilion's ranks.
Even with Yao Chen recruiting numerous allies after recovering his body, the situation was grim. Under Feng Zunzhe's leadership, the Falling Star Pavilion might have already fallen.
Things worsened when the Soul Hall's Four Heavenly Sovereigns joined the attack against the Falling Star Pavilion. Their intervention turned a dire situation into a catastrophe.
However, there was a silver lining. The Soul Hall wasn't just targeting the Falling Star Pavilion but also other major forces in Central Plains, including the Pill Tower.
Seeing Yao Chen struggling to hold on, the Pill Tower's leaders dispatched reinforcements to save the Falling Star Pavilion. This temporarily held off the Four Heavenly Sovereigns, preventing them from further advancing their campaign.
Meanwhile, across other regions, the previously hidden forces of the Soul Hall surged into action. In addition to targeting the Falling Star Pavilion and the Pill Tower, they also attacked the Black Submerged Army. With two Heavenly Sovereigns and numerous Dou Venerates leading the charge, they clashed with the likes of Gu Yao, Gu Xing, and other Black Submerged Army leaders.
For a time, all of Central Plains was thrown into chaos.
But amidst the storm of bloodshed and carnage wrought by the Soul Hall, one peculiar order went largely unnoticed: the Stone Clan, one of the ancient imperial clans, suddenly issued a recall for all its members stationed outside, summoning them back to the Stone Realm.
The command, strange as it was, confused some people but didn't warrant much investigation. After all, this was an internal matter of the Stone Clan a clan so powerful it could instill despair. Who would dare interfere with their affairs?
This unusual order also failed to catch the Gu Clan's attention. Elder Tongxuan didn't even mention it while briefing Xiao Yan on the situation in Central Plains.
After hearing the elder's report, Xiao Yan felt a headache brewing. The turmoil was overwhelming, and he wasn't sure where to begin.
"Xiao Yan gege, what's your plan?" Xun'er asked, her delicate brows furrowing. She was equally troubled by the state of affairs. Her hands were tied. With the Ling Realm of the Spirit Clan sealed, the Gu Clan had grown more vigilant, forbidding her from leaving. The clan elders had even revoked her authority to summon internal reinforcements, leaving her fuming.
The reason for their ability to override her? She had a father who was perpetually absent and mysterious.
"Of course, I'll return to the Falling Star Pavilion and eliminate those people!" Xiao Yan took a deep breath, his expression heavy. Like Lu Bu, he had no expectations of help from the Gu Clan.
The idea of asking the Gu Clan for assistance was never even on the table for him.
Meanwhile, Lu Bu glanced at the two Soul Clan Dou Venerates who had been reduced to blood mist. He shrugged, disappointed that he hadn't had the chance to act himself.
A quick glance showed that the previously arrogant leader of the Medicine Clan's team had vanished without a trace. The two juniors from the Medicine Clan hadn't returned either. Clearly, witnessing the Soul Clan's fate firsthand had sobered them up. With a hundred times the courage, that elder wouldn't dare accuse Lu Bu like the Soul Clan had.
Clever as he was, the elder had chosen to retreat quietly. As for how he'd explain the deaths of his clanmates to the Medicine Clan… Well, perhaps he'd just pin the blame on the Soul Clan. After all, the Soul Clan had a reputation for being ruthless, making them the perfect scapegoat.
As for offending the Soul Clan? Laughable. Among the ancient imperial clans, was there anyone the Medicine Clan didn't dare offend? Try cutting off their supply of pills and see what happens!
"Let's go. Nothing's left to do here it's time to leave." Lu Bu patted his robes, stood up, and called out. With Qing Lin and the two elders from the Ancient Dragon Clan following behind him, he headed for the exit of the Gu Realm.
This journey to the Gu Realm had been extremely fruitful for Lu Bu. He had acquired everything he wanted: Dou Saint energy cores, numerous Transition Dou Venerate energy cores, and nine star Dou Venerate energy cores.
In three years within the Heavenly Tomb, Lu Bu had advanced from a one star Dou Venerate to a five star Dou Venerate. Qing Lin had also reaped great rewards, rising from a one star Dou Venerate to a six star Dou Venerate.
In the outside world, only six months had passed saving Lu Bu considerable time.
The elders of the Gu Clan, seeing him leave, hurriedly summoned a Spatial Vessel to escort Lu Bu and his group out.
"Lu Bu, once we leave the Gu Realm, we'll return to our clan," Zhuxuan said, yawning in boredom.
Her time in the Gu Realm had been stifling. Rules abounded everywhere, restricting her from doing anything fun. Even beating Zhugang for amusement had been off limits. If not for the Gu Clan's numbers and strength, she might've flipped the table already.
"Haha… Thank you, both of you, for all your help," Lu Bu said sincerely. With a wave of his hand, he handed the two elders a jade bottle.
Inside were several pills, each radiating a misty glow. Little images of lifelike beasts swirled on their surfaces.
"You sure are generous, kid…" Zhugang and Zhuxuan smiled, holding the bottle. Several eighth tier pills in one go Lu Bu was certainly extravagant. Even as an eighth tier alchemist, such generosity was remarkable.
Then again, they recalled his casual offering of hundreds of eighth tier pills at the altar. This wasn't surprising. Lu Bu was wealthy beyond reason. Their Dragon King had certainly snagged a golden son in law!
"Hehe… It's the least I could do. Without you two, my time in the Gu Clan wouldn't have gone so smoothly," Lu Bu replied with a grin. He wasn't exaggerating. Without these two powerful figures, he wouldn't have dared set foot in the Heavenly Tomb or the Gu Realm.
As they exited the Gu Realm and left the Gu Sacred City, Zhuxuan waved casually. "Alright, this is where we part ways. If you ever need anything, come to the Dragon Island. Don't hesitate!"
"Safe travels. Please pass my regards to Zhu Tao. And if Zi Yan asks, tell her to focus on her cultivation," Lu Bu said, waving as he watched them leave.
"Master, are we heading straight to the Pill Tower now?" Qing Lin asked excitedly, clutching Lu Bu's arm.
She was eager to see her sisters' reactions to her newfound strength. Qing Lin was practically giddy at the thought.
"No rush. There's still something I need to do," Lu Bu said, smiling faintly. With a wave of his sleeve, he unleashed a gust of wind.
Qing Lin's eyes instantly narrowed. An enemy attack?
But when she saw who was hiding in the void, her expression turned oddly strange.
Bang!
A soft sound echoed as someone was struck in mid air. With a scream, a figure was sent flying back in a rather sorry state.
"Damn it, why did you hit so hard?!" Xiao Yan roared angrily, clutching his chest where his blood energy was surging.
"How was I supposed to know it was you?" Lu Bu rolled his eyes, speaking in an annoyed tone.
"Bullshit! You didn't know?!" Xiao Yan was so furious his nose almost went crooked. Lu Bu was an eighth tier alchemist how could he possibly fail to sense him?
Not to mention that Qing Lin had her Triple Jade Green Snake Flower Pupils. There was no way they didn't know it was him following. This guy had clearly hit him on purpose!
"Spit it out what do you want from me?" Lu Bu gave him a sideways glance, impatiently asking, "I'm in a hurry to get back and see my wives, so don't cause me any trouble!"
"…Come with me to the Falling Star Pavilion," Xiao Yan said with a dark face, clearly exasperated. "You damn scoundrel, this whole mess with the Scorpion Demon Trio from the Cloud Rain Sect is your doing. You have to deal with it!"
"Are you kidding me? They're attacking the Falling Star Pavilion and targeting Yao Chen. What's that got to do with me?" Lu Bu sneered, shaking his head. "Besides, your teacher and the Scorpion Demon Trio have been at odds for ages. If anything, your teacher should be happy to see them show up!"
"You !" Xiao Yan was so infuriated that his whole body trembled. "If it weren't for you delivering the Human Scorpion's corpse, would we even be in this situation?!"
"Oh really?" Lu Bu's eyes rolled again. "Should I summon the Semi Saint from the Ancient Dragon Clan who actually killed the Human Scorpion to chat with you about this? After all, he was the one who did the deed."
Xiao Yan: "…"
Was this a threat? No, this was a threat!
"If there's nothing else, I'm leaving." Lu Bu smirked, brushing off his robes as though preparing to leave.
"How about we make a deal?" Xiao Yan sighed and flicked his fingers, producing a scroll. "Help me kill the Four Heavenly Sovereigns of the Soul Hall, and this recipe for the Eight Colored Bodhi Pill is yours."
"Oh?" Lu Bu's gaze sharpened at the mention of the scroll. A moment later, he smiled faintly and said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? We could've settled this a long time ago!"
"The Soul Hall is evil, and it's the duty of everyone to eliminate them. Today, no matter who is fighting the Soul Hall, I, Lu Bu, will gladly step in!" He threw his head back and laughed heartily, his voice brimming with mock grandeur.
As he spoke, he raised a hand. A surge of suction force erupted, and the scroll in Xiao Yan's hand was instantly pulled into Lu Bu's grasp.
Xiao Yan's expression twitched. Before I offered this, you didn't say any of this nonsense!
"Let's go to the Falling Star Pavilion," Lu Bu said as he unfolded the scroll, glancing at it briefly before tucking it into his storage ring.
"Follow me," Xiao Yan muttered, pointing his chin toward the horizon. A silver glow flickered at his feet as he darted into the distance.
"Wow, Xiao Yan, your status as the Young Master of the Falling Star Pavilion is really underwhelming. You don't even have a proper mount and have to rely on your own legs," Lu Bu's mocking voice rang out.
Beside him, Qing Lin's eyes shimmered faintly. A seventh tier serpent magical beast appeared, and the two mounted it, quickly catching up with Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan let out a long sigh, feeling stifled as always when dealing with Lu Bu.
Heavenly Star Mountain Range – Falling Star Pavilion
The atmosphere within the Star Realm was grim. Every strong figure passing through bore injuries of varying degrees.
On the main seat, Yao Chen's face was pale, his breathing uneven. Among everyone present, he was undoubtedly the most overworked not only fighting on the frontlines but also crafting pills. Either of these tasks alone would've been exhausting. If not for reinforcements from the Pill Tower, Yao Chen might've collapsed from sheer exhaustion.
"Pavilion Master, our pill reserves are nearly depleted, and our remaining medicinal ingredients are scarce…" A solemn faced elder holding a scroll reported with heavy concern.
"The supplies brought by our friends from the Pill Tower are also almost gone. If this continues…"
The room fell into a tense silence. The oppressive atmosphere made it hard to breathe.
"Pavilion Master, a battle challenge has arrived from the Cloud Rain Sect!"
Before Yao Chen could respond, another elder hurried in, holding a pink jade letter with a grave expression.
"They're striking while I'm down. How ruthless…" Yao Chen sneered coldly. The Scorpion Demon Duo truly embodied the saying, "A wolf that's fed becomes a jackal."
"Yao Chen, come out! Today, your Falling Star Pavilion will fall. None of you will survive!"
Before Yao Chen could speak further, a thunderous shout came from outside the Star Realm. The Scorpion Demon Duo clearly had no intention of letting him recover, attacking relentlessly.
Whoosh!
Several figures quickly appeared in the Star Realm, led by Yao Chen himself, accompanied by one of the eight elders from the Pill Tower and several strong fighters from the Falling Star Pavilion.
"Do you truly intend to fight to the death?" Elder Qiu Mao, one of the eight great elders of the Pill Tower, asked coldly. He was the head of the Qiu family, one of the Pill Tower's five prominent families.
"Hmph, Yao Chen killed my younger brother. Such a hatred cannot coexist under the same sky!" The Sky Scorpion's eyes burned with fury as he growled menacingly.
Yao Chen rolled his eyes. That was Lu Bu's doing!
"Indeed. Yao Chen destroyed countless of our Soul Hall's branches and killed many of our Venerates. Do you think we'll let him go?" A sinister man in a blood red robe sneered. He was the Blood River Heavenly Sovereign, one of the Soul Hall's Four Heavenly Sovereigns.
"Not to mention, our Soul Hall's chief alchemist, Mu Gu, was killed by him. Even the Xuan Huang Flame, which we painstakingly sought, fell into the hands of Yao Chen's disciple, Xiao Yan. Such grievances cannot be resolved with mere words."
The Blood River Heavenly Sovereign's raspy voice was laced with chilling intent, and the stench of blood seemed to seep into the air.
Yao Chen rolled his eyes again. That was also Lu Bu's doing!
"Elder Qiu from the Pill Tower, we're here for Yao Chen alone. If you leave now, you'll still have a way out," a gray robed elder beside the Blood River Heavenly Sovereign declared coldly.
"Elder Chen, why involve yourself in this matter? Surely you know how treacherous the Soul Hall can be "
"This has nothing to do with the Soul Hall or the Pill Tower!" the gray robed elder snapped, cutting Qiu Mao off. "Yao Chen's disciple Xiao Yan killed many of my Heaven's Underworld Sect disciples. The Demonflower Evil Lord, the Nether Ghost Venerable, and even our Sect Master and Young Sect Master fell to his hands. Such hatred demands blood for blood!"
"I don't need to kill Yao Chen. Hand over Xiao Yan, and I'll leave!"
Yao Chen rolled his eyes for the third time. How is this Xiao Yan's fault? This was also Lu Bu's doing!
"Yao Chen, do you have any last words?" The Earth Scorpion roared. "Surrender now, and you'll at least have a complete corpse. Otherwise, no one in your Falling Star Pavilion will be spared!"
The Sky Scorpion's battle aura surged violently, ready to strike at any moment.
"Hmph… Do you expect me to believe you'd let me go if I surrendered?" Yao Chen sneered as crimson flames surged around him, enveloping him in a fiery aura. Though he no longer had the Bone Spirit Cold Flame, he wasn't someone who could be trifled with.
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