Chapter 93: "My Little Sister Said Purple Has a Certain Charm..."
At the Zhen Gui Pass in the western border of the Jia Ma Empire stood an immensely important military fortress. It was heavily guarded, with at least three Dou Wang level experts stationed there at all times. In emergencies, the number could quickly rise to five or six Dou Wangs through reinforcements.
Outside Zhen Gui Pass lay a region of small nations and tribes. Beyond them was the infamous Black Corner Region.
Inside the bustling marketplace of Zhen Gui Pass, the atmosphere was lively and relaxed, a rare departure from the usual tension of such a military zone. Years of peace and stability had eased the usual sense of vigilance.
In a modest inn within the pass, Lu Bu sat at a table, carefully studying a map. Before arriving, he had visited the Mittel Clan to acquire intelligence and detailed maps of the Black Corner Region.
Despite the strict monitoring of the Black Corner Region by the surrounding nations, communication and travel had never been completely cut off. After all, how else would they send their talented disciples to Jia Nan Academy?
After studying for some time, Lu Bu began to formulate a plan. Black Seal City was a destination he couldn't avoid he had to obtain the Demon Saint's remnant map piece, no matter the cost.
Of course, this wasn't something he could achieve alone. Although his strength was considerable, he wasn't strong enough to dominate the entire Black Corner Region, nor did he wish to draw too much attention to the map. Ideally, even Yao Lao and Xiao Yan wouldn't learn about this matter.
Therefore, finding a reliable ally was crucial.
Reaching into his robes, Lu Bu pulled out the curled up Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, fast asleep or rather, in cultivation. This little creature had pestered him for more purple crystal sources in the past few days and had consumed plenty.
"Little one, sorry about this..." Lu Bu muttered, gently poking her small head with a finger and channeling his soul power into her. Before long, the python's eyes fluttered open.
"Hiss, hiss..."
The python wriggled her tiny body in displeasure, clearly annoyed at being woken up. Her meaning was clear: if she didn't get more purple crystal sources, there would be trouble!
"Little one, I need you to bring out the other soul residing in your body. I have something to discuss with her."
"Hiss, hiss...?" The python tilted her small head, puzzled about what her master wanted. However, after hesitating briefly, she obediently closed her eyes again.
Moments later, the python reopened her eyes. But this time, they were different. Gone was the pure, innocent look of the python. In its place was a gaze filled with seductive allure and cold pride.
"You're looking for this queen?"
Medusa's voice was soft yet bewitching, a sound that could make one's body shiver involuntarily.
However, for some reason, she showed no inclination to tease Lu Bu this time. She didn't even take human form, nor did she deign to look directly at him.
"The Soul Melding Pill recipe. A trade. What does Her Majesty think?"
Lu Bu remained unfazed, casually summoning a black scroll into his hand and tossing it lightly in the air.
As soon as he finished speaking, a dazzling seven colored glow illuminated the room, and Medusa appeared in human form, lounging elegantly on a chair. Her smooth, porcelain like skin glistened like fine jade, exuding a soft and radiant glow.
Unlike before, she now wore only a thin, silk like violet robe. Her delicate collarbone and rounded shoulders were exposed to the cool air, while the tantalizing curves of her chest were half hidden, half revealed.
As always, Medusa crossed her long, shapely legs. Her beautiful feet, perfectly proportioned and sparkling like crystals, were placed squarely in Lu Bu's line of sight, her toes flexing playfully every so often.
My sister once said purple carries a certain charm... Lu Bu thought to himself, a ripple of emotion spreading in his chest. But almost immediately, he realized the danger. Leaning back abruptly, he circulated his soul power to dispel any wandering thoughts.
In a single breath, Lu Bu's eyes regained their clarity.
Medusa's lips curled upward slightly. Jie, men... Yun Yun's man is no exception.
"Speak. What's your offer?" Medusa remained poised, her expression calm.
Damn, I've lost the upper hand... Lu Bu thought grimly. He hadn't expected her to come at him like this. Taking a deep breath, he said, "The Soul Melding Pill recipe is yours, but when I need your help, you can't refuse."
"I refuse," Medusa replied coolly, propping her chin on her hand. "What use do I have for a pill recipe? I'm not an alchemist."
She's completely reversed the situation... Lu Bu's face remained neutral. "Then what do you want?"
"I've always been interested in the pills themselves," Medusa said with a mesmerizing smile. "Give me the Soul Melding Pill, and I'll agree to your request. But remember, you said 'help,' not fighting your battles alone. I'm not here to be your servant."
Lu Bu's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "Fine. I'll refine the Soul Melding Pill for you, and in exchange, you'll assist me when I need it. Is that the deal?"
"Naturally," Medusa replied, her smile enchanting.
"Deal!" Lu Bu declared firmly.
"Jie... Yun Yun's little man seems to have no other skills besides alchemy," Medusa teased, her slender fingers brushing a lock of hair aside as she gave him a playful look.
Lu Bu raised an eyebrow. "It seems Her Majesty is quite fixated on my relationship with Yun Yun, isn't she?"
Hearing this, a flicker of anger flashed across Medusa's eyes, but it quickly vanished. She simply sneered, a wave of radiant light emanating from her body as a form fitting purple silk robe materialized, concealing her alluring figure.
"You're overthinking things. This queen has always been at odds with Yun Yun and the Yun Lan Sect. Watching her suffer..."
As she spoke, Medusa suddenly paused mid sentence, realizing that she had no reason to explain so much.
Before her words were fully spoken, she sensed Lu Bu's teasing gaze. Medusa's phoenix like eyes twitched slightly. Damn that Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python!
"If you need me, call me!" she snapped, intending to retreat back into the python's body and return to slumber. But Lu Bu interjected, "Not so fast. The deal isn't finished yet!"
"Hmm?" Medusa looked puzzled. "Didn't we already come to an agreement?"
"I agreed to refine the pill for you, but... where are the ingredients?" Lu Bu smirked, extending his palm. "Hand over the materials, and I'll start refining the pill immediately."
"What... what did you just say?" Medusa's enticing red lips parted slightly in disbelief.
"Your Majesty, surely you weren't expecting me to gather the ingredients for you, were you?" Lu Bu chuckled lightly. "For a sixth tier pill, the materials alone cost at least ten million gold coins. That... is a separate price!"
As he spoke, Lu Bu held out his hand, his meaning unmistakable: pay up!
Medusa froze. After all, she was essentially the Seven Colored Heaven Swallowing Python. From birth until now, only a few months had passed. Did she look like someone who had money?
After a brief moment of stunned silence, Medusa's expression darkened. Her flawless face flushed with indignation this guy actually dared to scam her!
Lu Bu's grin didn't waver. Sure, you might profit a little, but the lion's share would always go to him.
"Hmph! It's just money. This queen will simply go rob someone!" Medusa snapped, a sharp, murderous aura exploding from her. If he wanted to scam her, it wouldn't be that easy!
"You sure about that?" Lu Bu's tone was calm. "This is still the Jia Ma Empire. If a fight breaks out, I'll side with Yun Lan Sect."
"Then I'll head to the Black Corner Region to rob someone!"
"You sure about that?" Lu Bu's expression remained unchanged. "The Black Corner Region has at least four or five hidden Dou Zong experts, many at the three or four star level, and some even stronger seven star, nine star, you name it. You? A mere one star Dou Zong? Where does your courage come from?"
"You... you're scamming me, aren't you?!" Medusa finally exploded in anger, her silken black hair billowing despite the absence of wind. A terrifying killing intent surged forth.
"How could I dare?" Lu Bu spread his hands with a helpless sigh. "I'm just Yun Yun's man, utterly useless except for my alchemy skills."
Medusa felt a tightness in her chest as her body trembled with fury. She wanted nothing more than to slice Lu Bu into seven or eight pieces.
But soon, she forced herself to calm down. It wasn't just about whether she could win the fight she probably couldn't but even if she could, the backlash from the python's soul would make her suffer unbearably.
"What do you want?" Medusa demanded coldly, suppressing her rage.
"Let's do it this way," Lu Bu suggested with a faint smile. "You owe me a favor, and in exchange, we'll forget about the money. How about that?"
"Fine!" Medusa huffed, her body glowing as she prepared to return to the python form.
"Wait a second!" Lu Bu interrupted her spell for the second time.
"Now what?!" A vein throbbed visibly on Medusa's smooth, porcelain like forehead. She was not known for her patience.
"I'll need your help over the next few days, so don't retreat just yet. Stay in this form for now," Lu Bu said.
Medusa froze for a moment, realizing this brat had been planning this all along.
Damn it!
"The deal's settled. Now let's go find some ingredients before heading to the Black Corner Region," Lu Bu said, deactivating the formation in the room and heading for the exit.
"Your Majesty, I'll be relying on you in the coming days," Lu Bu added with a soft laugh. "Please be patient with me."
Medusa clenched her fists in frustration, but ultimately, she had no choice but to follow him out.
...
At Jia Nan Academy, atop a secluded cliff.
Xiao Xun'er sat quietly, her gaze serene. Not long after, shadows stirred as a black robed elder silently emerged.
"You've returned, Elder Ling?" Xiao Xun'er asked with a soft smile. Ling Ying's return signified one thing Xiao Yan was on his way to Jia Nan Academy.
"Thank you for your hard work."
"It's my duty, young miss," Ling Ying replied with a respectful bow.
"Brother Xiao Yan will soon arrive at Jia Nan Academy..." Xiao Xun'er murmured as she gazed toward the distant horizon, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.
He's coming. That's all that matters. Here, there will be no Lu Bu to scam you, no one to bully you, and no Nalan Yanran to make you swallow your anger and tread cautiously. Here, there's only me Xun'er who can protect you...
A flicker of hesitation crossed Ling Ying's face. He didn't care about Lu Bu or whatever he was up to, but... should he report the matter of Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan's complicated relationship to his young miss?
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