Chapter 82: First Use of Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations
Yunlan Mountain was not a single peak but rather a mountain range. At its highest peak lay the center of Yunlan Sect. Shrouded in mist and surrounded by clouds, the sect atop the main peak seemed like a celestial paradise. On the expansive plaza at the summit, only ten people were present Yun Yun and her disciple Nalan Yanran, along with Yun Leng and eight other elders.
This gathering highlighted the true strength of Yunlan Sect. Among the eight elders, four were Dou Kings, including Yun Leng, a high level Dou King, while the remaining four were peak Dou Spirits, just a step away from advancing to Dou King. Such a lineup was no weaker than half of the Serpent People Tribe.
At the same time, steady footsteps echoed as Xiao Yan slowly approached with his massive black Xuan Heavy Ruler strapped to his back.
On a towering ancient tree near the plaza, Lu Bu stood side by side with Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong, silently watching the scene below.
"This Xiao Yan is no ordinary young man…" Hai Bodong murmured, raising an eyebrow. Previously, Xiao Yan hadn't seemed particularly impressive likely because he was overshadowed by Lu Bu. But now, standing alone before Yunlan Sect's high ranking members, his composure and aura were exceptional.
Though not quite on par with Lu Bu, Xiao Yan was undoubtedly a rare talent among the younger generation unmatched among the youths of the empire.
"Jie… Nalan, your so called grandson in law to be is quite something, huh?" Wood Clan patriarch Mu Zhen jeered with a mocking grin, clearly gloating. His grandson Mu Zhan had made a fool of himself a few days ago, and now it was the Nalan family's turn. "Tsk tsk… With such bearing, you dare call this boy a 'waste'?"
Nalan Jie's face darkened, but he remained silent. If Mu Zhen could see it, how could he not?
Seated at the main position, Yun Yun raised her brow slightly. She immediately recognized Xiao Yan as the "Yao Yan" she had encountered in the Magical Beast Mountain Range a somewhat familiar face, though they weren't well acquainted.
"Xiao Yan, your entanglement with Yanran ends today. This duel is between the two of you neither I nor Yunlan Sect will interfere," Yun Yun's crisp, melodious voice rang out, carrying an undeniable air of authority yet devoid of any personal sentiment.
"Life or death, left to fate?" Xiao Yan asked coolly, turning his gaze toward Nalan Yanran.
"…Agreed." Nalan Yanran hesitated briefly but quickly nodded. She didn't wish to harm Xiao Yan, but the ties between them implicated two families. This might be the best resolution for both.
"Begin," Yun Yun said plainly.
At her command, emerald wind attribute Dou Qi and scarlet flame attribute Dou Qi erupted simultaneously. A swift sword met a massive, heavy ruler in an instant, and within moments, Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan clashed fiercely.
"Jie… This kid's cultivation isn't bad…" Mittel Tengshan murmured in surprise. The nearly tangible Dou Qi robe enveloping Xiao Yan's body indicated his current level: a nine star Dou Fighter!
For someone of his age to reach such heights, aside from Nalan Yanran, only Mu Zhan was comparable.
"This kid is quite strong no weaker than my Mu Zhan!" Mu Zhen's eyes gleamed. "Nalan, since you don't want him as a grandson in law, how about letting the Wood Clan take him? Coincidentally, I have a granddaughter, aged sixteen and still unmarried."
"You ! Jie… It's not even certain whether he'd want your granddaughter!" Nalan Jie snapped, annoyed, before changing the subject with a disdainful sneer.
Mu Zhen laughed heartily, unbothered by the rebuttal. His primary goal was to irritate Nalan Jie. Of course, if Xiao Yan truly joined the Wood Clan, it would be a pleasant surprise.
Lu Bu and the others remained silent. Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong stayed on high alert, focused on keeping an eye on their surroundings. They weren't here to spectate they were here to stir up trouble. While Yunlan Sect's strength was intimidating, the absence of its disciples was fortunate, as it meant the sect's Cloud Shrouding Sun Covering Formation wouldn't be activated.
This, too, was part of Lu Bu's plan.
Originally, Yun Yun had wanted to gather Yunlan Sect's disciples and form the Cloud Shrouding Sun Covering Formation. With it, she was confident in holding her ground even against someone as powerful as Jia Xingtian, a peak Dou Emperor.
But Lu Bu had rejected the idea. The Soul Hall possessed forbidden techniques for devouring souls to enhance strength. While ordinary disciples might not significantly boost the Soul Hall Protector's power, why take the risk?
Moreover, Lu Bu didn't want to cause excessive damage to Yunlan Sect because of his personal matters. As a result, Yun Yun had ordered all disciples to stay away from the main peak, forbidding them from stepping foot on it. Yun Leng had protested angrily, but Yun Yun silenced him with a single sentence, leaving him too afraid to utter another word.
In Lu Bu's mind, he went over his plan once more. Everything was in place. With Medusa's support, this time he had laid an inescapable net for the Soul Hall Protector. There was no way the enemy could escape.
Wait… if Medusa and Yun Yun meet, how am I supposed to explain?
The thought struck Lu Bu like a bolt of lightning, making his scalp tingle. If Medusa showed up, whose side should he take?
Of course, Yun Yun's!
Sure, I might sleep cuddling the Seven Colored Swallowing Python every night, but my heart belongs to Yun Yun!
With that thought, Lu Bu stood straighter, his confidence restored, radiating an even more commanding aura than before.
Hai Bodong and Jia Xingtian exchanged glances. This guy… is he spacing out again?
On the battlefield below, the clash between Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yan grew more intense. Nalan Yanran had already summoned her Dou Qi armor, while Xiao Yan's surging Dou Qi began forming the outline of an armor as well. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, and the sound of clashing metal echoed continuously. Whirling emerald winds and crimson Dou Qi clashed and entangled in the air.
However, the tide soon shifted in Nalan Yanran's favor. Her wind attribute Dou Qi began to suppress Xiao Yan's flames.
Xiao Yan's face grew serious. This was a fight for his life, but despite his ferocious and ruthless techniques, he couldn't gain the upper hand against Nalan Yanran.
"She's gone through her own trials as well…" Xiao Yan thought gravely. He had always viewed Nalan Yanran as a sheltered flower raised in comfort. Even her scar, revealed before the match, hadn't left much of an impression on him.
But now, it was clear Nalan Yanran was no weaker than him!
Clang!
A sharp sword hum resonated, and razor sharp sword energy sliced through the nearly solid Dou Qi robe on Xiao Yan's body.
Boom!
Xiao Yan was sent flying, slamming heavily into the ground.
"Finally over…" Nalan Jie exhaled deeply in relief. Thankfully, his granddaughter had won!
Lu Bu watched intently, his interest piqued. The real show was about to begin Xiao Yan was about to unleash the Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations!
"Wait… something's off!" Mu Zhen, now serious, noticed something strange. Despite lying on the ground, Xiao Yan's crimson Dou Qi showed no signs of waning it was still burning fiercely.
Nalan Yanran gripped her sword tightly, unease creeping into her heart. Her premonition was confirmed the next instant.
Boom!
A volcanic eruption of crimson flames burst forth, the fiery waves surging skyward. But in the blink of an eye, the flames receded and were absorbed back into Xiao Yan's body.
Then, an overwhelming aura exploded from Xiao Yan. His entire body was shrouded in crimson flames as he slowly stood up. His deep, black eyes now burned with the scarlet light of the Flame of Ten Thousand Beasts.
"Dou Spirit… what did this boy do to leap an entire realm?" The spectators were stunned, their faces filled with disbelief. The aura Xiao Yan now exuded completely transcended the Dou Fighter stage, reaching the level of a Dou Spirit.
Lu Bu stroked his chin, his eyes gleaming. The Heavenly Flame Three Mysterious Transformations was proving to be exceptionally powerful even the first transformation provided such a dramatic boost.
Moreover, the effects of the technique were cumulative. The second transformation wasn't merely additive it could multiply the user's strength. With two Heavenly Flames combined, Lu Bu estimated that the technique could help leap two, or even three major stages at least in the Dou Fighter and Dou Spirit levels.
"You… you're Yao Yan?!" Nalan Yanran exclaimed, her voice trembling. Her shock at Xiao Yan's surge in strength was overshadowed by her realization of his identity.
That crimson flame she had seen it countless times up close. She was far too familiar with it.
Xiao Yan… was the very alchemist Yao Yan she had admired!
"You… you bastard!" Memories of her previous conversations with "Yao Yan" came flooding back the feelings she had expressed, the sincerity she had shown. Shame, humiliation, and frustration washed over her all at once. Beneath her shoes, her toes curled tightly in mortification.
Then, a surge of anger consumed her. She wanted nothing more than to cut Xiao Yan into pieces!
"Let's continue," Xiao Yan said calmly.
Taking a deep breath, Nalan Yanran forced herself to regain composure. Her emerald Dou Qi surged once more, her aura climbing steadily.
If Xiao Yan had a secret technique, so did she!
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