Chapter 147: Success!
Watching the aggrieved, pitiful Zhu Kun, Jiang Yun felt both amused and somewhat wistful. A dignified, majestic peak nine-star Dou Sheng, the number one expert of the Dou Qi Continent—was actually a complete and utter daughter-slave.
Compared to Gu Xun Er, that princess of the Gu clan, Zi Yan—this Dragon Emperor bloodline heir of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan—was the true number one ultra-wealthy heiress of the continent!
Even though the Ancient Dragon Clan was no longer at its peak, the resources Zi Yan could mobilize were likely even more terrifying than Gu Xun Er's.
After all—who told Zhu Kun to love and dote on his daughter even more than Gu Yuan did?!
"Uncle, in a moment, I will strike and break open a fissure. You make your preparations!" To spare Zhu Kun from suffering any greater harm, Jiang Yun gently squeezed Zi Yan's slender waist and moved her to the side. Looking at Zhu Kun, he spoke in a deep voice.
When it came to serious matters, Zhu Kun immediately grew solemn and grave as well. In a deep rumble, he said, "Worthy Nephew, be careful in all things. If the task proves impossible, do not force yourself. Even if I cannot emerge for the time being, you can still take my Dragon Seal and go to Dragon Island. The Ancient Dragon Clan will heed your commands!"
Hearing Zhu Kun's words, Jiang Yun outwardly nodded. Inwardly, however, he was speechless.
Father-in-law, you're probably unaware—without your suppressive presence, the Ancient Dragon Clan has long since splintered and fractured.
Elder after elder of profound cultivation has fled one after another into the void, no longer caring about worldly affairs. Now, only a handful of stragglers remain.
The once supreme sovereign of the Magical Beast World has actually fallen so low that it can't even defeat the descendants of the Ancient Heavenly Phoenix—the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan!
If not for the Ancient Dragon Clan being so utterly pathetic, why would I, Jiang Yun, go to such lengths to get you out?!
Only he had the ability to summon back the departed experts of the Taixu Ancient Dragon Clan. Only he could make the Ancient Dragon Clan reclaim its former glory.
Whatever he felt inwardly, outwardly, Jiang Yun nodded. Looking at Zi Yan beside him, he instructed, "Zi Yan, step back a bit in a moment. If anything goes wrong, leave this place immediately. With Senior Qing Ming here, I won't come to any harm!"
"Indeed. Zi Yan, stay further away. That old bastard Tuo She Ancient Emperor—who knows if he has any more tricks up his sleeve!" Zhu Kun strongly agreed with Jiang Yun's words. Looking at Zi Yan, he couldn't help but worry.
Still seemingly uneasy, Zhu Kun extended a finger. A perfectly round, full droplet of purple-gold blood, its surface radiating dense, potent energy fluctuations, seeped from his fingertip. Zhu Kun retrieved a carnelian jade bottle, stored it within, and handed it to Zi Yan.
"This is a drop of my essence blood. Zi Yan, your blood and mine share the same origin. If any mishap occurs, consume it promptly. It will be enough to let you temporarily unleash the supreme might of a Dou Sheng. Those Fire Lizardmen outside won't be able to harm you—it will be more than enough to protect yourself!"
Watching the jade bottle fly over, Zi Yan cast a worried glance at Jiang Yun and Zhu Kun. But she knew this was not the time for willfulness. She could only accept the jade bottle and swiftly fly to the edge of the space, tightly watching the developments over here.
"Come then, boy Jiang Yun. Show me what means you possess!" Once certain of Zi Yan's safety, Zhu Kun studied the young man before him with keen, sharp interest. He was also deeply curious—what methods did Jiang Yun have that gave him the confidence to contend against the supreme might of a Dou Di?
"Senior Qing Ming!" Hearing Zhu Kun's words, Jiang Yun nodded and spoke in a low, grave voice.
"Weng—"
A profound, mysterious fluctuation emanated outward. A dazzling, brilliant light emerged from Jiang Yun's chest.
Zhu Kun, right next to him, felt an aura that made his heart palpitate and tremble begin to revive. His expression instinctively grew solemn and grave. Staring with startled uncertainty at the object above Jiang Yun's head radiating that blinding, brilliant light—
in the very next moment, his pupils constricted slightly. It was as if he saw something utterly soul-shaking.
Atop Jiang Yun's head, a seemingly ordinary, common seven-story little tower silently hovered and floated. It was precisely this ordinary little tower that, at this moment, condensed such dazzling, eye-catching luster.
The moment it appeared, it was like a crystalline blazing sun. The endless darkness within this space was completely suppressed beneath it.
"This is...?" Zhu Kun made out the full appearance of the Qing Ming Tower. An expression of disbelief, of incredulity, surfaced on his face. Then, as if recalling something, an obscure, hidden light flickered deep within his eyes. He murmured, "This is absolutely not a product of the Dou Qi Continent. Could it be... something from beyond the Dou Qi Continent?"
Zhu Kun, as a peak nine-star Dou Sheng, like all the paramount experts at the peak of nine-star Dou Sheng, also felt that something crucial, something of vital importance, was missing from this heaven and earth—preventing them from breaking through to Dou Di.
That was precisely why he had sought the inheritance of the Tuo She Ancient Emperor, hoping to break through to Dou Di.
Regarding the matter of the Dou Di's collective disappearance over tens of thousands of years, he had also seen records within the clan. Now, it seemed... perhaps he could get an answer from Jiang Yun.
Thinking of Jiang Yun's origins, Zhu Kun's eyes blazed with scorching heat. Now, he believed what Jiang Yun had just said—eighty percent.
Perhaps today... he truly could get out.
"Uncle!" Right at the moment Zhu Kun's mind was racing with lightning-swift thoughts, Jiang Yun abruptly roared loudly, jolting him back to his senses.
In the next instant, the Qing Ming Tower fully revived. A terrifying, monstrous fluctuation emanated from within it. Immediately after, the Qing Ming Tower suspended above Jiang Yun's head shuddered. Its tip swayed. Instantly, a stream of iridescent, colorful light sprayed forth. Within that iridescent light was contained some kind of exceptionally profound and wondrous power.
"Boom—"
The energy iridescence seemed to blast against a spatial node. Instantly, a faint "crack" rang out.
The sound was very soft. But who was Zhu Kun? A pair of dragon pupils stared fixedly at a certain spatial node. His feet stirred slightly, about to charge out with his entire body through this damned seal.
But just as he was about to make his move, a sudden sensation of heart-palpitating danger surged into his heart. Behind him, on the great door of the Ancient Emperor's Mansion, a seven-colored flame flickered, now visible, now vanishing.
"Damnable Tuo She Ancient Emperor!" Sensing what the situation was, Zhu Kun cursed inwardly, thoroughly greeting the eighteen generations of ancestors of that old sly fox, Tuo She Ancient Emperor.
"Quick, Uncle! There will be plenty of time in the future!" Jiang Yun had also sensed the change at this moment. Hearing Qing Ming's transmission, he urgently shouted out.
Hearing Jiang Yun's shout and sensing that the spatial node which had begun repairing itself, Zhu Kun decisively made his choice. Abandoning this reckless, risky notion—a colossal soul giant, several hundred zhang tall, slowly materialized behind him.
The giant's appearance was unmistakably a magnified, blown-up Zhu Kun countless times over!
The soul giant—its breath was like thunder. Dense, rich clouds surged like cloud dragons through its nostrils. Its hair was like a thousand-zhang mighty waterfall. Its robes billowed and fluttered, stirring up terrifying, monstrous waves. Faintly, an aura akin to a sovereign descending upon the world slowly surged from that colossal soul body.
The Emperor Realm soul. The supreme sovereign of souls on the Dou Qi Continent. The prerequisite condition that must be reached to advance to Dou Di.
After 'Zhu Kun' appeared, his figure rapidly began to contract. In the blink of an eye, he shrank to normal size. Then, his figure flickered, and at the very final moment, he escaped to freedom.
"Boom—"
After 'Zhu Kun' emerged, the Ancient Emperor's Mansion trembled violently for a moment, but ultimately slowly settled and calmed back down.
"Phew—"
The group let out a long sigh of relief. If the Tuo She Ancient Emperor truly still had any hidden backup plans left... they would likely have only the path of the ancient jade to rely on. Now, it seemed they had managed to exploit a loophole.
"Hahaha! This Emperor has finally come out!" Confirming no anomalies, 'Zhu Kun' immediately burst into ecstatic, excited laughter.
The Zhu Kun inside the seal, feeling the same sensations through their shared soul connection, also felt a wave of exhilaration and delight. Thousands of years of imprisoned life—finally, a dawn of hope had arrived!
"Congratulations, Uncle!" Jiang Yun smiled as he congratulated Zhu Kun.
"Much of this was thanks to you. And I must also thank Senior for her aid!" Zhu Kun chuckled lightly. Gazing at the Qing Ming Tower above Jiang Yun's head, he cupped his fists respectfully in gratitude.
Toward this mysterious weapon from the Upper Realm, he held an attitude of respect and deference.
"You're welcome. You and Yun'er can be considered family now. I've expended quite a bit of power this time and shouldn't act rashly in the short term. I'll leave these youngsters to you!" The Qing Ming Tower slowly rotated. Her voice echoed by both their ears.
Zhu Kun looked at the Qing Ming Tower with surprise. He hadn't expected her to even possess sentience. Truly—in the Great Thousand World, all manner of wonders exist!
"Senior, rest assured. I will look after them well!" Zhu Kun nodded earnestly. Even without Qing Ming's instructions, he would have taken good care of Zi Yan and Jiang Yun anyway.
One was his daughter. The other, a future son-in-law to whom he owed a debt of gratitude. He absolutely would not let anyone harm them.
After listening to Zhu Kun's words, the Qing Ming Tower once again fell silent and receded, settling upon Jiang Yun's chest.
"Xiao Yun!" With a delicate cry, Zi Yan's figure swiftly arrived at their side. She looked Jiang Yun up and down, afraid he might have suffered any injury.
Watching Zhu Kun off to the side, a bitter, sour expression on his face, the goodwill toward Jiang Yun that had just risen in his heart instantly scattered to the winds once more.
"Zi Yan, I'm fine. The mission was successful—Uncle can be considered to have escaped his predicament!" Jiang Yun looked at Zi Yan, chuckling softly, and spoke gently.
Hearing Jiang Yun's words, Zi Yan then swept a glance at Zhu Kun. Immediately after, with a cold snort, she said, "Hmph! He's been locked up for thousands of years anyway—a few more wouldn't have made a difference. If Xiao Yun had gotten hurt because of this... he'd have been better off locked up another few thousand years!"
Listening to his precious daughter's muttering, Zhu Kun's smile instantly stiffened. Such filial piety!
His heart faintly sour with jealousy, Zhu Kun stared at Jiang Yun with eyes full of envy and resentment.
Jiang Yun felt helpless inwardly. The father and daughter still needed time to adjust to one another. In any case, the matter was resolved beautifully. Jiang Yun looked at Zhu Kun beside him and said, "Uncle, you'll have to endure a bit longer. Very soon—we will definitely rescue you out."
"No matter. The soul avatar is the same as my true body. If he's out, it's equivalent to me being out. No trouble at all." Zhu Kun laughed heartily. He was already extremely satisfied with this outcome. Then, recalling something, he added seriously and urgently, "Regarding the ancient jade—don't rush. With you and Zi Yan here, in a hundred years, you should both have matured. Then, with proper planning, there will be a chance to gather them. Otherwise, I fear you'll alert the snake by startling the grass!"
A hundred years? In fifty years, even the daylilies would have long gone cold—let alone a hundred!
Hearing Zhu Kun's conception of time, Jiang Yun grumbled inwardly. But he didn't voice any refutation. Zhu Kun was still viewing this world through the lens of the distant past. To say "a hundred years" was already a great acknowledgment of Jiang Yun's and Zi Yan's talent.
"Yes!" Jiang Yun smiled and nodded in agreement.
Zi Yan also knew it was time to part. A reluctance to leave stirred in her heart. Meeting Zhu Kun's expectant, longing gaze, she hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "I will rescue you soon... Father."
Having spoken, Zi Yan pulled Jiang Yun and flew directly toward the outside.
Behind them came Zhu Kun's unrestrained, wild, hearty laughter—filled with excitement, elation, and overwhelming emotion.
Seeing this, the corner of 'Zhu Kun's' lips also curled into a faint smile. His feet stirred slightly and, in the blink of an eye, he caught up to Jiang Yun and Zi Yan ahead.
"Bang—"
The three had only just stepped out of the Ancient Emperor's space when the magma beneath their feet churned and roiled. Countless Fire Lizardmen swarmed, surrounding the three.
At the lead, the two Half-Saints stared at Jiang Yun and Zi Yan and roared with fury, "You dare trespass into the God's tomb—" Midway through, they abruptly noticed Zhu Kun standing behind Jiang Yun and Zi Yan. In disbelief, they rubbed their eyes. Noticing Zhu Kun's icy, cold stare, with a splash, they dropped to their knees on the spot. Trembling uncontrollably, they immediately performed a grand, deep kowtow, voices quivering: "Lord Guardian!"
"Chee chee—"
Seeing both leaders kneel, the bewildered Fire Lizardmen at the Dou Zong and Dou Zun levels also dropped to their knees with splash after splash in a vast, sweeping wave. For a moment, the scene was quite spectacular.
"Father! Just now, it was they who stopped me from coming to see you!" Zi Yan's eyes darted. Looking at Zhu Kun, she wore an expression of utter grievance.
Jiang Yun swept a glance at Zi Yan. As expected—women are born actresses.
Hearing Zi Yan's words, Zhu Kun felt his heart melt. Did he not know what Zi Yan said was false?
But... so what?
A mere Fire Lizardman clan—not worth a fraction of Zi Yan! Immediately, his gaze turned icy cold. Glaring furiously at the Fire Lizardman crowd, he roared, "You have tremendous gall! To actually dare block my daughter, Zhu Kun's daughter, from coming to see me!"
The pressure of an Emperor Realm soul filled the hearts of these Fire Lizardmen—who were never adept with souls to begin with—with absolute, sheer terror.
The Half-Saint leader forcibly suppressed the terror and dread in its heart. Bitterly and miserably, it said, "Lord Guardian, please quell your anger! We did not know the identity of your daughter. It was only that someone had intruded into our clan's territory. We sought to prevent them from spying upon the God's tomb, and that was why we acted to drive them away."
"Hm? So what you're saying is—you were not wrong? My daughter was the one in the wrong?" A dark, chilling, sinister voice drifted down from above the two.
"We would not dare! We beg the Lord's forgiveness!" The two Fire Lizardman Half-Saints, their bodies trembling violently, buried their heads deep into the ground.
"Zi Yan, how do you wish to punish them?" Zhu Kun turned his head to look at Zi Yan and asked with fatherly, doting affection.
Zi Yan turned her head to look at Jiang Yun. She also didn't know how to punish these creatures. Kill them all?
Unnecessary.
Receiving Zi Yan's look, Jiang Yun looked at the crowd and said, "The flame beads within your bodies can be used for cultivation. Bring out whatever stock you have from the Dou Zun stage. Furthermore, you've lived in this magma sea for so many years—all the heavenly treasures, spiritual rarities you've gathered—hand them all over as well!"
Hearing Jiang Yun's conditions, the two Fire Lizardman Half-Saints shuddered violently. Their hearts wailed with bitter misery. Yet under Zhu Kun's watchful, ever-present gaze, they dared not refuse.
Immediately, they brought out their clan's many years of accumulated savings. Though the subterranean magma was full of destructive, annihilating fire-attribute energy and rarely gave birth to spiritual medicines—nature was always filled with wonders. There were always exceptions.
After reaping quite a haul of excellent, wonderful items, the satisfied, content trio of robbers promptly flew back toward the Jia Nan Academy.
By the time they once again returned to the Inner Academy, it was already the dead of night.