Chapter 144: Medusa: Zi Yan, Don't Imitate Lu Bu
"Medusa, look! That's the Soul Reviving Demon Fruit!" Zi Yan, perched atop the canopy of a towering tree, pointed at a green fruit emanating a strange, pure light below. She clutched Medusa's soft, fair hand as she spoke excitedly.
"We found it…" Medusa's luscious red lips curved slightly as she whispered. This was one of the rare and vital ingredients needed to refine the Soul Merging Pill.
"There's something guarding it…" Zi Yan's purple hued eyes glimmered faintly as she pointed toward the calm, seemingly unassuming pool of water below.
Medusa nodded. "Yes, I can sense it. Whatever it is, it's strong. I'll draw its attention, and you take the fruit."
"Hehe, don't worry, Medusa! I'm really good at this!" Zi Yan gleefully rubbed her small hands together, clearly eager for action.
"Let's begin!" Medusa chuckled softly. With a light tap of her toes, she soared into the air, and a powerful aura erupted from her slender figure.
Boom!
At the exact moment Medusa unleashed her aura, a thin but deadly water arrow shot up from beneath the surface of the pool, hurtling toward her throat with terrifying speed.
"Hmph!"
A soft, seductive voice accompanied an icy chill. Medusa's eyes flashed coldly, and her snow white palm lit up with a silver glow as she struck downward.
Bang!
The water arrow exploded into countless droplets, scattering into a fine mist. Under the sunlight, faint rainbows flickered in the air.
"Why do you intrude on my territory?" A deep voice rumbled as a blue serpent's head suddenly emerged from the pool with a loud splash. Its yellow, vertical pupils radiated a feral, violent intent as they locked onto Medusa.
But then…
Damn it, a seventh tier magical beast?!
The blue scaled serpent froze, its intimidating aura faltering as fear crept into its heart. It was a peak sixth tier magical beast, strong by most standards. However, against a seventh tier opponent like Medusa, it didn't stand a chance. It wouldn't be slaughtered outright, but victory was certainly impossible.
"Surrender the Soul Reviving Demon Fruit, and I will spare your life!" Medusa said coldly, her voice carrying a domineering authority. She recognized the creature as a Xuan Shui Spirit Snake a peak sixth tier beast. Defeating it would be a hassle, but it wasn't beyond her ability.
"Never!" the Xuan Shui Spirit Snake roared defiantly. The fruit was its lifeline no one could take it.
"Then die."
Killing intent surged in Medusa's enchanting eyes as a seven colored light coalesced into a radiant longsword. With a swift slash, she unleashed a ferocious sword aura that tore through the air, hurtling toward the serpent.
She was already in a foul mood, brimming with unspoken anger thanks to Lu Bu. Now, she was more than ready to vent her frustrations.
Roar!
The Xuan Shui Spirit Snake's pupils shrank in fear. This woman attacked without hesitation, and her murderous intent was overwhelming.
With a desperate roar, its massive body coiled defensively as the pool beneath it erupted with a thunderous crash. A pillar of shimmering blue water surged skyward to meet the descending sword aura.
Boom!
The sword aura clashed violently with the water pillar, unleashing a storm of gales and shockwaves that uprooted nearby trees. The two forces neutralized each other, neither gaining the upper hand.
It's tougher than expected…
Medusa's eyes glinted as she reevaluated her opponent. Though her strength exceeded the serpent's, it clearly wasn't without its own tricks.
With a cold snort, Medusa's seven colored aura intensified, and her overwhelming presence bore down on the serpent like a tidal wave.
Roar!
The Xuan Shui Spirit Snake howled in rage. If it was going to die, it wouldn't go down without a fight it would make sure this woman paid the price.
But Medusa simply smiled faintly, no longer attacking with relentless force. Instead, she skillfully deflected the serpent's strikes, engaging in a deliberate, drawn out exchange.
Meanwhile, beneath the cover of battle, Zi Yan giggled mischievously as she sneaked closer to the pool. With practiced ease, she plucked two Soul Reviving Demon Fruits and bolted, her tiny feet carrying her away in a flash.
Noticing this, Medusa let out a sharp cry. Her seven colored energy surged upward in a dazzling column of light, temporarily forcing the serpent back.
Taking advantage of the opening, Medusa lightly tapped her toes and shot into the sky, vanishing in an instant.
The Xuan Shui Spirit Snake, mid attack, found itself suddenly without a target. Confused, it froze for a moment before whipping its head around to check the fruit's location.
When it saw the empty branches, the realization hit.
Roar!
The snake's furious roar echoed across the forest, shaking the heavens. But it was too late Medusa and Zi Yan were already long gone.
…
In the Northern Region
Mo Tianxing and his two subordinates halted their efforts to probe the space barrier, their faces darkening as the Xuan Shui Spirit Snake's roar reached their ears.
"That was a sixth tier magical beast… possibly at its peak," one of the subordinates murmured. "But… could it have been fighting another beast? Or was there someone else involved?"
"I haven't detected any foreign auras," another subordinate said after a moment of concentration. "So far, there's no evidence of an intruder."
Mo Tianxing's sharp eyes glimmered silver as he scanned the distant horizon. After a long pause, he shook his head. "Elder Xun is right. There's no sign of anyone else. If it weren't for that beast's deafening roar, we wouldn't have even noticed."
"What should we do now, Patriarch?"
"Continue the search," Mo Tianxing replied firmly. "If someone is there, we'll deal with them when they appear. If it's just a magical beast, there's no need to concern ourselves. Their activities don't interfere with our goals."
"Understood, Patriarch!"
Mo Tianxing's expression remained stern as he glanced toward the horizon. Once I uncover the secrets of this space, I'll need to ensure my bloodline survives. The loss of his son had been a painful lesson relying on a single heir was too risky.
…
Elsewhere, atop a cliff
Medusa held the Soul Reviving Demon Fruit in her hand, her lips curving into a faint smile. The earlier frustration in her heart had completely vanished she was one step closer to obtaining the Soul Merging Pill.
"Um… Medusa," Zi Yan said sheepishly, her bright eyes glinting with mischief. "Don't forget, aside from gathering ingredients for the Soul Merging Pill, you also need to collect ingredients for the Soul Recovery Pill…"
Medusa's enchanting smile froze instantly, and her good mood evaporated like smoke.
Seeing her reaction, Zi Yan giggled and popped one of Lu Bu's refined pills into her mouth. For some reason, today's pills tasted even better than usual.
Smack!
"Ow! Why'd you hit me, Medusa?" Zi Yan whined, clutching her head with a pitiful expression. Her eyes brimmed with tears Medusa's punches were no joke.
"Don't imitate Lu Bu!" Medusa scolded, her tone exasperated as she clenched her fists.
"Hehe…" Zi Yan grinned cheekily, clearly unfazed. No way! It's way too fun I'm not giving it up!
"Let's go find more ingredients," Medusa said, tucking the Soul Reviving Demon Fruit away. Her captivating face radiated an air of confidence and dominance. "Whatever treasures lie nearby, I'll claim them all!"
"Yeah, let's do it!" Zi Yan cheered, her enthusiasm boundless. She had been waiting for someone strong like Medusa to go treasure hunting with her.
"Let's head north. I remember there's a patch of Xuan Xin Grass in that direction it's amazing!" Zi Yan exclaimed, tugging Medusa along excitedly.
Medusa raised an elegant brow. Xuan Xin Grass? That was indeed valuable. It could be consumed directly to enhance cultivation, nurtured to improve the surrounding environment, or used in alchemy for exceptional results.
Within her temple, Medusa had nurtured plenty of Xuan Xin Grass. Whenever a tribe rendered a great service, she would reward them with it, allowing the grass to rejuvenate their barren lands in the desert. Incidentally, the recipe for the Soul Recovery Pill also required Xuan Xin Grass.
Still, Medusa hadn't forgotten Lu Bu's warning a four star Dou Zong was no easy foe to deal with.
However, she quickly broke into a carefree smile. If I can't win, can't I just run?
"Zi Yan, lead the way!" Medusa chuckled softly.
Zi Yan grinned, releasing her Dou Qi wings and soaring into the air. This sister really got along with her perfectly!
…
At the waterfall, several glowing formations surrounded Lu Bu, flickering with mysterious light. At the center of the formations lay a pale corpse. Under the formation's effects, intricate runes slowly wrapped around the body, darkening its pallid hue bit by bit.
Lu Bu stroked his chin thoughtfully, glancing at the nearby Qing Fire Puppet. This time... maybe it was time to experiment with something new?
A glint of silver light flashed through Lu Bu's eyes as the space around him subtly warped. Ever since obtaining Zi Yan's blood essence and starting to cultivate the Azure Dragon Transformation Art, he had been able to sense spatial energy.
The Void Ancient Dragon clan had unparalleled mastery over spatial energy it was a gift no other species could rival. Because of this, even though Lu Bu hadn't reached the Dou Zong realm, he could manipulate spatial energy. It was taxing, but still possible.
But that didn't matter. This wasn't for himself; it was for the puppet.
"Let's give it a shot... I've got nothing to lose." Lu Bu's face split into a mischievous grin. His body began to emit a purple glow, and the formation beneath his feet flared to life. Silvery beams of light transformed into runes, slowly seeping into the puppet's body.
Roar!
At that moment, a faint beastly roar echoed from the distance. Lu Bu's brows furrowed immediately. The north? Didn't I specifically tell them not to head that way? Why did they go there anyway?
"This won't do…" Lu Bu muttered, his expression tightening. If something truly went wrong, what would happen?
Zi Yan and Medusa he couldn't afford to lose either of them.
After a moment of thought, Lu Bu's eyes flashed with resolve. He raised a hand and pressed it against the Qing Fire Puppet's chest. Silver light coalesced into a circular array that embedded itself into the puppet's chest.
"Go, locate them," Lu Bu commanded with a snap of his fingers. The Qing Fire Puppet's feet tapped the ground lightly before it launched itself into the air, speeding toward the direction of the beast's roar.
Lu Bu chuckled softly as he turned his gaze back to the puppet he was refining. With two puppets at his side, plus Medusa as his trump card…
Unless the Demon Elder from Demon Flame Valley or the duo of Qian Bai and Bai from the Jia Nan Academy showed up, Lu Bu could walk around the Black Corner Region like a king.
"Heh… maybe I should make a move on Han Feng. Alchemists are very lucrative targets…" Lu Bu's eyes glimmered with greed as he thought about the fat sheep named Han Feng.
Forget everything else just the Ten Thousand Beasts Cauldron, a renowned artifact on the Heavenly Cauldron Rankings, was enough to warrant a heist. And that didn't even include Han Feng's collection of pill recipes.
But that was a matter for another time. For now, the priority was finishing the puppet.
…
In the North
Zi Yan led Medusa to a secluded valley.
"Medusa, look! That's where the Xuan Xin Grass is," Zi Yan said cheerfully. "Same plan as before: you beat it up, I grab the loot?"
Medusa frowned slightly, her shimmering eyes flickering with thought. After a moment, she shook her head. "No need. The guardian of the Xuan Xin Grass is just an Earth Barbaric Tiger. It's weaker than the Xuan Shui Spirit Snake from before. I can handle it on my own."
With that, Medusa raised her delicate hand. A booming whoosh followed as her aura erupted forth, unleashing the unrestrained might of a Dou Zong. A tempest roared through the valley, making the trees shake violently.
Within the valley, a massive tiger with a yellowish brown body and white patterns was happily gnawing on a bone, humming to itself during its rare break from cultivation.
Suddenly, it felt as if the heavens themselves had collapsed upon it. A weight heavier than mountains pressed down on its body, suffocating it.
Roar!
The Earth Barbaric Tiger's eyes flared with savagery as yellowish light surged from its body. But before it could react further, there was a sudden thud. Zi Yan dropped from the sky, landing squarely on the tiger's back.
Thump!
The tiger staggered before collapsing to the ground, unable to move a muscle.
"Hehe, now you're being obedient!" Zi Yan exclaimed triumphantly, placing her hands on her hips with a smug smile.
With a graceful flash, Medusa appeared in midair, surveying the valley. Her gaze quickly landed on a cluster of glowing Xuan Xin Grass at the valley's center. There were five stalks in total, their quality far superior to the ones she cultivated in her temple.
"Zi Yan, collect them," Medusa said with a gentle smile.
"Got it!" Zi Yan rolled up her sleeves and excitedly began pulling the stalks from the ground. The helpless Earth Barbaric Tiger could only watch as its prized treasures were taken right before its eyes.
…
In the Northern Region
As Mo Tianxing and his two subordinates were investigating the spatial barrier of the secret realm, they suddenly froze.
"Dou Zong…" one of them muttered gravely, his face dark with apprehension. He had sensed it a powerful aura that only someone at the Dou Zong level could possess.
"There's a Dou Zong nearby!"
"Who could it be? Is it Su Qian from Jia Nan Academy? Or perhaps the enigmatic Eagle Mountain Elder?"
Mo Tianxing said nothing, his expression tense. The arrival of a Dou Zong meant their exploration had to be put on hold. Whether for fear of their own safety or the possibility of someone else claiming the secret realm's treasures, continuing was no longer feasible.
Right now, Mo Tianxing felt as if a dagger was pressed to his back.
"Patriarch?"
"Mark our current location, then let's investigate the source of that aura," Mo Tianxing ordered. "If we have a visitor, we must meet them face to face."
"Yes!" The two subordinates straightened, steeling themselves for the possibility of a confrontation with a Dou Zong.
Mo Tianxing stepped into the air, his body streaking toward the source of the Dou Zong's aura like a flash of lightning, his subordinates following close behind.
…
"Ahaha! Medusa, here you go!" Zi Yan cheerfully handed Medusa a jade box containing three of the best Xuan Xin Grass stalks. She kept the remaining two for herself one for her own use, and one for Lu Bu.
Medusa didn't mind. She smiled faintly, ruffling Zi Yan's hair. "Alright, let's head out."
"Mm hmm! Hehe, let's keep looking for more treasures!" Zi Yan giggled excitedly. This time, she was determined to collect all the rare herbs she had ever craved.
"Alright… Hmm?" Medusa's expression suddenly shifted, her face darkening.
"What's wrong, sister?" Zi Yan asked, her playful demeanor vanishing.
"Someone's coming and they're strong," Medusa said, her voice low and serious. Could this be the four star Dou Zong Lu Bu had warned them about? If so… things were about to get tricky.
Zi Yan's expression tensed, and she moved to stand behind Medusa.
In that moment, three figures appeared at the edge of the valley. At the forefront was a man clad in a golden python robe. He stood effortlessly in the air, his presence calm yet commanding.
Medusa's eyes narrowed. This man's strength… it was undoubtedly above hers!
"Oh?"
Unlike Medusa, Mo Tianxing's sharp gaze softened the moment it landed on her. He froze briefly, his piercing eyes filled with surprise.
Such a stunning beauty…
Moments later, his expression lit up with unrestrained delight. He had been mulling over finding a new wife to produce another heir, and now, in this remote wilderness, he had encountered such a breathtaking woman!
"Hahaha! Greetings, fair lady," Mo Tianxing's hearty laughter echoed through the valley. "I am Mo Tianxing of the Black Emperor Sect. A pleasure to make your acquaintance!"
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