Chapter 45: Handsome Boy, You Can't Escape!

Chapter 45: Handsome Boy, You Can't Escape!

The Tagore Desert is surrounded by four nations: the Jia Ma Empire, the Chu Yun Empire, the Luo Yan Empire, and the Mu Lan Empire. Among them, the Chu Yun Empire is close to the desert but does not share a border with it.

As for the other two... in the original story, it was these two nations, led by Xiao Yi Xian, that launched an invasion of the Jia Ma Empire. Within their borders, the Golden Goose Sect and Mu Lan Valley were the most powerful factions, causing significant trouble for both Xiao Yan and Queen Medusa at the time.

The Snake People Tribe not only has enmity with the Jia Ma Empire but also with the Luo Yan and Mu Lan Empires. In contrast, their relationship with the Chu Yun Empire is relatively amicable, possibly due to their mutual expertise in poison. Of course, it might also be part of the Snake People Tribe's strategy of befriending distant nations while attacking nearby ones.

In short, this region is a hotbed of complex geopolitics, with the four nations and five factions constantly at odds, balancing enmity and alliances.

What Lu Bu saw now was the Snake People Tribe besieging intruders from the Luo Yan Empire. Ordinarily, the Snake People Tribe doesn't pay much attention to the desert outskirts. Conflicts between humans and snake people in those areas are often ignored, as they don't threaten the tribe's core interests.

However, this area was within the core territory of the Snake People Tribe's Mei Snake Clan. For anyone daring to intrude here, the Snake People Tribe shows no mercy. These people from the Luo Yan Empire were as good as dead.

The Mei Snake Clan's forces had fully mobilized not only to eliminate the invaders but also to amuse themselves. It was rare for such weak humans to have the audacity to step into their territory.

Lu Bu clicked his tongue as he observed the scene. The Mei Snake Clan's territory blocked the shortest route to the Snake People Tribe's Holy City. Normally, the defenses here were light, and Lu Bu could have slipped through unnoticed. But now, with the increased activity, that was impossible.

More importantly, Lu Bu didn't want to take a detour.

Flying over? Better not. It would draw too much attention.

In the original story, even Xiao Yan, who chose to fly over this area, was shot down by the Snake People's archers. While Lu Bu didn't fear these snake people, such a spectacle would certainly attract unwanted attention.

"I'll wait it out," Lu Bu murmured. Once the snake people retreated, the few remaining soldiers of the Luo Yan Empire wouldn't be a threat.

With this thought, Lu Bu concentrated his soul power, thickening it around himself to completely conceal his presence.

But just then, there was a sudden swish! From the sand emerged a small snake, no more than three fingers wide, raising its body and staring directly at Lu Bu.

Lu Bu: (ー`ー)

Small snake: (Φ_Φ)

Both: "Hiss hiss hiss!"

...

On the battlefield, all the soldiers of the Luo Yan Empire had been slain. It wasn't because they were particularly brave or refused to surrender, but because they knew that falling into the hands of the Snake People Tribe would mean a fate worse than death. None of them dared to surrender.

"Clean up the battlefield and bring the bodies back to feed the snakes," ordered Mei Snake Clan's leader, Yue Mei, with a lazy wave of her hand.

Supporting her alluring figure with one arm, Yue Mei swayed her serpentine waist, contemplating taking a relaxing bath after the battle.

In truth, the strongest among the Luo Yan Empire's group was only at the level of a Dou Grandmaster, making Yue Mei's presence unnecessary. But, as someone who couldn't sit still, she had decided to join in anyway.

"Yes, Chief!" The snake people obeyed, carrying away the bodies. Yue Mei, however, did not leave immediately. Instead, her tail swayed, and from its tip emerged tiny energy snakes that burrowed into the sand, spreading out in all directions.

As Yue Mei received feedback from the energy snakes, her relaxed expression suddenly changed. There was one more intruder!

A sly smile crept onto Yue Mei's enchanting face. Her pale, jade like hand shot forward, releasing a surge of Dou Qi. From her palm emerged a massive cyan serpent, which lunged toward a shaded sand dune with its jaws wide open.

Boom!

Lu Bu somersaulted into the air, narrowly avoiding the serpent's attack.

"Another enemy?"

"Jie Jie, this one hid quite well!"

"Hey, this little man is rather handsome!"

...

When Yue Mei saw Lu Bu leap out of hiding, her green eyes lit up.

"Oh? What a handsome little boy!"

Lu Bu's face twitched. He had been so focused on concealing his aura that he'd overlooked the Snake People Tribe's ability to control snakes for reconnaissance.

"You don't look like you're with those Luo Yan Empire fools," Yue Mei remarked as her eyes scanned Lu Bu. Her cyan tail swayed rhythmically, and her crimson lips parted, her voice dripping with charm.

Lu Bu's eyes darted around as an idea began to form. Perhaps this was an opportunity to reach the Snake People Holy City faster.

He remained silent but summoned his purple Dou Qi. A robe of flames formed around him, burning with a faint violet glow.

"A Dou Master?"

"Jie Jie, what's with today? So many clueless humans wandering into our territory!"

"Jie Jie, looks like we've hit the jackpot!"

...

Seeing Lu Bu's display of strength, the surrounding snake people burst into laughter. The weakest among them were Dou Grandmasters, while their leader, Yue Mei, was a fearsome Dou King.

"You all retreat. Leave this handsome boy to me. I've been wanting a new pet," Yue Mei instructed, her sultry voice sending shivers down her subordinates' spines.

The other snake people had no choice but to obey.

"Let's go. The chief's claimed this one. Maybe after she's done, we'll get a turn."

"Keep dreaming. With his talent, the chief likely has other plans for him."

"Tch, he's just a slave. What good is talent?"

...

Boom!

The sand beneath Lu Bu exploded as he transformed into a streak of violet light, dashing away at incredible speed.

"Oh? Interesting!" Yue Mei's eyes gleamed as she watched Lu Bu suddenly accelerate. Her interest in him grew even stronger.

With a flick of her cyan tail, she shot after him like lightning.

"Handsome boy, you can't escape! Be a good little pet and come with me!"

Glancing back, Lu Bu saw Yue Mei's playful expression, as though she could capture him at any moment.

"Hmph…" Lu Bu smirked, his speed increasing yet again.

Yue Mei paused briefly in surprise before grinning. She continued to pursue him leisurely, like a cat toying with its prey.

The chase quickly took them far from the Mei Snake Clan's main force, the green oasis shrinking into a tiny speck in the vast desert.

"Handsome boy, you're running in the wrong direction. Even we snake people avoid that area~" Yue Mei's teasing voice called from behind.

Lu Bu raised an eyebrow and abruptly stopped, pivoting on his heel.

"Oh? Done running?" Yue Mei landed gracefully in front of him, her playful smile widening.

"How boring," Yue Mei sighed, feigning disappointment. "I thought you'd put up more of a fight… Hmm?"

As she continued, Yue Mei noticed something strange. Despite their prolonged chase, this human's breathing was steady he wasn't even winded.

"Chief Yue Mei, how do you do?" Lu Bu smoothed his sleeves and smiled faintly.

Yue Mei's face darkened as she realized how far she'd been lured from her forces.

"This boy… something's off!" Yue Mei's heart sank. Deciding it was best to retreat, she spread her Dou Qi wings and leapt into the sky.

But just as she took off, a pale hand materialized before her.

Boom!

A deafening explosion shattered the air as Yue Mei was struck by a fearsome blow, sending her crashing back to the ground. Her alluring face flushed red with anger and humiliation.

"Little snake girl, you can't escape. Be a good pet and stay," Lu Bu mocked, his Purple Cloud Wings gently flapping as he hovered above her. His tone was as teasing as hers had been moments earlier.

As for Yue Mei?

She could only grit her teeth, unable to call for help.

"Damn it…" Yue Mei's face turned an ugly shade of green.

(End of Chapter)

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen