Battle Through The Heavens : I Am The Thunder Emperor

Chapter 219: The Serpent Venerable and Yao Venerable

In the dense forest outside Yunlan Mountain, several figures occasionally streaked across the sky, their sharp, eagle-like eyes carefully scanning the forest below.

These figures, their expressions tense, meticulously searched the area. When they found nothing, they exchanged relieved glances in mid-air before signaling each other and dispersing in different directions.

The battle at Yunlan Sect had deeply traumatized these surviving disciples. Witnessing Yunlan Sect's destruction at the hands of the Xiao Family's twin dragons left many with a deep-seated fear—just hearing the names Xiao Yan and Mo Yu was enough to make them tremble.

Even though they were now tasked with hunting down Xiao Yan and Mo Yu, they couldn't shake the fear. Despite the old sect master's assurance that the terrifying power the two had wielded was spent, their terror persisted.

Although they hadn't found any trace of Mo Yu or Xiao Yan, rather than feeling disappointed, the disciples felt a surge of relief.

In this state of mind, they skimmed the area and quickly dispersed.

What they failed to notice was the large tree, its dense foliage concealing something hidden among its branches.

"Cousin Mo Yu, are you alright?" A concerned voice came from beneath the tree.

"Hah, I'm alright..." A slightly labored breath came from within the leaves. A moment later, there was a faint rustling, and a handsome face emerged from the foliage.

Mo Yu looked up at the empty sky, his gaze sweeping over the direction the figures had gone. He then sat down on the thick branch, leaning against the trunk, and accepted some healing pills from Xiao Yan, who was behind him.

"Thanks." After swallowing the pills and feeling the wounds on his body start to heal and his Dou Qi stabilize, Mo Yu softly expressed his gratitude.

It was undeniable—Alchemists had a significant advantage in both cultivation and healing. No wonder they were so revered across the Dou Qi continent.

"No need to thank me. If it weren't for you using the Thunder God Fire Lotus, we'd still be stuck in Yunlan Sect. A few pills are nothing in comparison," Xiao Yan quickly responded.

"Heh, it wasn't just my doing—you played a crucial role too," Mo Yu replied with a smile.

"Kid, I knew you were extraordinary, but I didn't expect you to pull off something as terrifying as the Thunder God Fire Lotus. That Profound Thunder of yours is something special..." A tired voice suddenly echoed beside them, and a moment later, a translucent, elderly figure appeared before Mo Yu.

"Teacher, you're here," Xiao Yan said, delighted upon seeing the old man.

Mo Yu was momentarily taken aback before his curiosity peaked as he studied this man who had been instrumental in Xiao Yan's growth—Yao Lao.

As expected, Yao Lao appeared as an elderly man with white hair, looking kind and gentle. However, the occasional flash of sharpness in his eyes hinted that he was far from an ordinary old man.

"Mmm." Yao Lao nodded at Xiao Yan before turning his intrigued gaze to Mo Yu. "Serpent Venerable, won't you come out and meet me?"

"Who would have thought that the once-renowned Yao Venerable would fall to such a state? Truly unexpected," came a cold, raspy voice as a pale, middle-aged figure materialized—Serpent Venerable, or Serpent Elder.

"Serpent Venerable..."

Hearing Yao Lao's address and seeing Serpent Venerable appear, Mo Yu immediately gained some understanding.

According to the rules of the Dou Qi continent, those who advanced to the Dou Zun level earned unique titles, like Yao Venerable or Wind Venerable. It seemed Serpent Elder's title was Serpent Venerable, fitting his characteristics.

"The Seven-Winged Purple Gold Serpent bloodline... No one else on the continent possesses that except you, Serpent Venerable," Yao Lao remarked with a light laugh as he stroked his ethereal beard.

"I heard your name echo across the continent in the past, but then you suddenly vanished. It seems you encountered some trouble..." A hint of lamentation appeared on Yao Lao's face.

Both had once been famous powerhouses across the continent, yet here they were, reduced to shadows of their former glory, forced into dire situations by a mere Dou Zong.

"I faced a formidable enemy, but surviving was a stroke of luck in itself," Serpent Venerable replied, his tone somber. "It's said across the continent that the Bone Chilling Flame is your life-bound Heavenly Flame, Yao Venerable. Seeing it today, it's clear why the Soul Hall is so desperate to capture you." Serpent Elder looked seriously at the famous Yao Venerable.

Though both were Dou Zuns, there were differences in strength even among them.

Serpent Venerable considered himself among the top-tier Dou Zuns, but he acknowledged a gap between himself and Yao Lao, who had not only considerable strength but also extensive connections.

Hearing Serpent Venerable mention the Soul Hall, a deep resentment flashed across Yao Lao's face before he sighed bitterly. "Let's not dwell on the past. Fortunately, the heavens didn't forsake me completely. I found a good disciple in my darkest hours, and now my hardships are coming to an end."

As he spoke, Yao Lao looked at Xiao Yan, a tender and affectionate light in his old eyes.

Yao Lao was exceedingly pleased with this disciple, not only because of Xiao Yan's exceptional talent but also because of his grateful heart—unlike the other disciple Yao Lao had taken under his wing.

"Don't worry, teacher. I'll grow stronger soon and help you regain your body," Xiao Yan promised resolutely, warmed by Yao Lao's kind gaze.

"Heh, no rush. Focus on evading the pursuit from Yunlan Sect for now, especially since the Soul Hall is involved," Yao Lao cautioned.

Xiao Yan's expression grew serious as he nodded in understanding. He still didn't fully grasp the vastness of the Soul Hall's power, but the fact that one of its guardians could easily disregard two Dou Zuns spoke volumes. Compared to the Soul Hall, Yunlan Sect was nothing.

"Serpent Venerable, it seems you've also found an exceptional successor," Yao Lao commented as he turned his gaze to Mo Yu.

"Thank you for the compliment, Yao Venerable, but I don't dare to accept such praise," Mo Yu replied modestly.

"There's no need for such formality. Like Xiao Yan, you can call me Yao Lao. I saw your potential back in Wu Tan City, but I never imagined you'd reach such heights in just a few years. The Buddha Fury Lotus created by Xiao Yan's fusion of two Heavenly Flames was already impressive, but for you to incorporate your Profound Thunder into it... Such control over your soul is something even I find hard to match. Given time, Serpent Venerable might even be reborn through your hands."

"Yao Venerable, the one I've chosen is naturally someone of exceptional talent, but you're mistaken about one thing. This kid isn't my successor—I have nothing to teach him," Serpent Venerable said, his slit-like eyes narrowing as he spoke seriously.

"Oh?" Yao Lao raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Serpent Venerable was a name well-known in the Central Plains. His immense strength made him a force to be reckoned with, despite not belonging to any faction. Even Yao Lao, disregarding his identity as an Alchemist, wasn't sure he could match Serpent Venerable.

For someone like Serpent Venerable to claim he had nothing to teach a mere Dou Shi would be unbelievable, yet his serious expression indicated he wasn't lying.

This left only one possibility: Mo Yu had his own powerful heritage, one that surpassed that of a Dou Zun...

Being from the Yao Clan, Yao Lao was familiar with levels beyond Dou Zun, so he wasn't too surprised by this revelation. However, it did deepen his curiosity and regard for Mo Yu.

"Alright, you two should hide deeper in the mountains to avoid Yunlan Sect's search teams. Your injuries are severe, and Serpent Venerable and I are too drained from the recent battle to help you again. Moreover, the Soul Hall won't let us go so easily," Yao Lao said seriously.

Serpent Venerable nodded gravely, clearly apprehensive about the Soul Hall's relentless pursuit of souls like theirs.

Mo Yu and Xiao Yan understood and nodded. The battle at Yunlan Sect had drained both Yao Lao and Serpent Venerable significantly. Forcing them to fight again could push them into a deep sleep.

Moreover, the lurking threat of the Soul Hall was like a thorn in their sides...

"Currently, search parties are to the east, south, and north. Your only option is to flee west," Serpent Venerable advised.

"And watch out for those in the sky. Most of them are surviving elders of Yunlan Sect, all at the Dou Wang level. If you run into them, it'll be trouble."

"Got it," Mo Yu responded. With that, Serpent Venerable and Yao Lao exchanged a tired glance before returning to the rings they resided in.

Once they were gone, Mo Yu and Xiao Yan carefully parted the leaves, scanning their surroundings. After confirming the coast was clear, they swiftly descended the tree like agile monkeys.

Upon landing, Mo Yu's sharp eyes quickly surveyed the area. Then, without hesitation, he plunged into the dense forest. As soon as he entered, a flash of multicolored light shot past him. He quickly glanced around and saw that the source of the light was the Heaven Swallowing Python, which had reverted to its serpent form.

While others might have struggled to find Mo Yu, the faint traces of the Seven-Winged Purple Gold Serpent's aura were as clear as day to the Heaven Swallowing Python.

"It seems Queen Medusa has fallen asleep again," Mo Yu muttered, extending his hand. The Heaven Swallowing Python obediently slithered over, flicking its tongue at him.

Xiao Yan, watching this, realized the Python's affection for Mo Yu likely stemmed from its connection to Serpent Venerable's ancient bloodline.

Sighing softly, Xiao Yan could only attribute it to fate.

(End of Chapter)

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