BTTH: Transmigrated with the Devouring Ancestral Symbol

Chapter 123: A Second Fallen Heart Flame? A Second Devouring Ancient Symbol?

"Mo Ya of the Black Emperor Sect…"

Lu Bu frowned slightly, his mind racing as he tried to recall what he knew. If he wasn't mistaken, the Black Emperor Sect was one of the most powerful factions in the Black Corner Region.

The sect leader's name was something like "Mo" he couldn't quite remember, but that person's strength was formidable, likely around three or four stars in the Dou Zong realm. Comparable to the First Elder Su Qian, and possibly even slightly stronger.

In the original story, the Black Emperor Sect played a significant role during the competition for the Bodhisattva Body Transformation Saliva. The faction was a force to be reckoned with and was one of the few powers that gave Xiao Yan a hard time.

This Mo Ya in front of him was likely the son of that sect leader, the designated successor to the sect. Though young, Mo Ya was extraordinarily gifted and had the backing of the sect's immense resources, allowing him to ascend to the Dou Huang realm before the age of 30.

When he first appeared in the original story, he was already a six or seven star Dou Huang, showcasing immense strength.

Xiao Yan's assessment of Mo Ya at the time was that, apart from the Black Submerged Army's deputy commander Ling Quan, Mo Ya was one of the most exceptional young Dou Huangs he'd encountered in recent years.

Mo Ya's cultivation techniques and Dou Skills were particularly effective against opponents who relied on brute strength and straightforward attacks. His ability to redirect or neutralize such power was almost like the "Star Shifting" technique from Jin Yong's novels, where one uses the enemy's force against them.

Furthermore, he had clashed with Zi Yan several times in the original story, and his skills greatly restrained her, causing her significant trouble.

As Lu Bu recalled these details, he studied the Mo Ya standing before him. Judging by his aura, Mo Ya was currently only at the eight or nine star Dou Wang level. He also looked younger, likely around 27 or 28.

But something didn't add up.

Based on the timeline of the original story, when Mo Ya first appeared, he was at most 35 years old and already a six or seven star Dou Huang. But now, at 27 or 28, he was only at the nine star Dou Wang level. How could he achieve such a meteoric rise in strength in just a few years?

Could he have a Devouring Ancient Symbol of his own? Or perhaps… a second Fallen Heart Flame?

In any case, something was off.

And what was even stranger was how such a prized heir could be allowed to wander into this uncharted forest. Was the Black Emperor Sect leader not concerned about potential dangers lurking in these wild lands?

What if some venomous beast, like a Rock Scorpion or a Venomspine Snake, suddenly appeared and attacked his precious son? Even Dou Huangs would avoid the deadly venom of such creatures.

There could also be other unknown dangers, such as poisonous spiders or scorpions. Mo Ya's presence here, casually toying with Inner Academy students, simply didn't make sense.

Lu Bu furrowed his brows. There was something fishy about this entire situation.

"What's the matter? Are you deaf? Didn't you hear what this young master just said?" Mo Ya laughed mockingly, raising his voice.

While Lu Bu was scrutinizing him, Mo Ya was also evaluating Lu Bu.

One male, one female. The boy was merely a Dou Ling, but his youthful appearance suggested he wasn't even twenty. Such talent was extraordinary likely surpassing Mo Ya's own especially with the rare flying Dou Technique he possessed.

The girl, though a child, was even more terrifying. The Dou Qi fluctuations emanating from her were those of a bona fide Dou Wang. No wonder the Inner Academy was famed for its prodigies there truly were some outstanding talents here.

Frankly, if he could recruit them under his command, it would be a tremendous gain. Unfortunately, these students, who had never tasted the harshness of the real world, were always so stubborn.

"Cough… You two should leave quickly," the Inner Academy student clutching his massive battle axe managed to croak out, his voice strained. "This guy is an eight star Dou Wang. He's way too strong for us… cough…"

"Are you… Lin Yan, the tenth ranked student on the Strong Ranking?"

Lu Bu rubbed his chin as his gaze shifted between the two magical beast corpses on the ground and the dense thicket of vines in the lowland. Suddenly, everything clicked.

The Green Wood Immortal Vine… So this was the place where Lin Yan had obtained it. But it seemed his luck had run out, and he'd encountered the interfering Mo Ya.

If Zi Yan and Lu Bu hadn't shown up, Lin Yan would have been a goner.

"Cough… cough…" Lin Yan clutched his chest and retrieved a healing pill from his storage ring. Though the pill helped a bit, he couldn't stop coughing clearly, Mo Ya's earlier attack had inflicted severe internal injuries.

"Oh, it's you!" Zi Yan exclaimed, her expression lighting up in realization. "I remember you! You're the one I kicked before. You wasted so much time that even that Strong Ranking second place guy got away. Hmph, so annoying!"

"Cough… cough… Now isn't the time to bring that up!" Lin Yan said with a wry smile. Normally, he wasn't a patient person, but this situation was dire. If the two didn't leave soon, they wouldn't have a chance to escape at all.

Meanwhile, Mo Ya's temple throbbed as veins bulged on his forehead. They were ignoring him.

The young master of the Black Emperor Sect being ignored?

"Jie jie jie…" Mo Ya's previously calm and friendly demeanor slowly gave way to a cold, chilling expression. "As expected of Inner Academy students who've never been beaten down by the world. So arrogant!"

"I gave you a chance to live, but since you don't want it… prepare to die!"

Purple black energy began to swirl around Mo Ya's hands, radiating a sinister and oppressive aura.

However, just as he prepared to strike, Mo Ya's eyes gleamed mischievously. Killing these three directly seemed too easy and… boring. Why not play a little game first?

"Hey, you there with the axe. You're Lin Yan, right?" Mo Ya smirked as he raised his finger and pointed at Lu Bu.

"If you kill this pretty boy and strip him of his flying Dou Technique, I'll spare your life. I swear on my honor as the Young Master of the Black Emperor Sect. Kill him, hand over his technique, and I'll let you go."

"Not only will I spare you, but I'll also personally give you his flying Dou Technique. How about that?"

Lu Bu's lips curled into an amused smile. This Mo Ya was really something.

Didn't he realize how utterly doomed he was, given how fearlessly Lu Bu and Zi Yan were behaving? And yet he still thought he could leisurely toy with them. Had he never heard the saying, "villains perish from their own arrogance"?

Hearing Mo Ya's words, Zi Yan's anger flared. Her tiny fists clenched, and her violent temper nearly exploded. She was ready to turn this arrogant fool into mincemeat, but Lu Bu stopped her with a gesture.

He was curious to see how Lin Yan would respond.

Lin Yan froze for a moment, his expression one of shock and hesitation. Then, his bloodshot eyes grew conflicted.

Even the lowest creature clings to life. What about him?

He wasn't some pampered flower from a greenhouse. His battle axe had reaped countless heads, enough to build a mountain of skulls.

"Don't worry," Mo Ya added, his voice smooth and persuasive. "I'll handle the little girl. No one else will ever know what happened here just you and me. So, what's your choice?"

Lin Yan's hesitation deepened, but then his expression hardened. He spat fiercely. "You Black Corner Region scum! Dream on!"

Lin Yan roared with fury. If he went through with this, Mo Ya would have leverage over him forever. Lin Yan had survived this long without ever being anyone's puppet especially not some Black Corner Region trash's pawn.

If he were discovered, death would be the least of his worries. He'd be better off dying here than living under someone else's control.

Lu Bu's lips curved into a faint smile. He had half expected Lin Yan to agree.

"Well then…" Mo Ya's face twisted into a vicious grin. "Since you all want to die so badly, I'll grant your wish!"

A surge of overwhelming energy burst from Mo Ya's body as purple black Dou Qi wings unfurled behind him.

He shot toward Lu Bu and Zi Yan like a streak of light.

"I've had enough of this idiot!" Zi Yan shouted, her childish voice brimming with rage. Her small fist tightened, radiating a faint purple glow as she swung at Mo Ya.

BOOM!

The sound of a sonic boom tore through the air as Zi Yan's tiny fist unleashed an immense force. The space in front of her visibly distorted, forming a massive concave shockwave in the air.

(Chapter End)

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