Traversing BTTH with the Devouring Ancestral Symbol

Chapter 4: A Man's Ambition Under Heaven

As the golden sun rose, its light bathed Jia Ma Holy City in a warm glow. Lu Bu adjusted the gold-embroidered robe with cloud patterns he was wearing and made a quick tug at his pants. The robe belonged to Yun Yu, and while it fit Lu Bu's frame perfectly, the crotch of the pants was a little tight.

"Forget it, it'll have to do," Lu Bu muttered, blaming his own size, and then walked toward the train station.

Yes, a train station!

In the Dou Qi Continent, Dou Kings and above could manifest wings from Dou Qi to fly freely through the skies. But who would waste their time and energy flying everywhere? It would deplete their Dou Qi, and didn't a Dou King need to maintain their image?

Those with the means would typically get themselves a private flying mount, which was both prestigious and impressive. Those without such resources could rent one, provided they didn't mind the slower speeds of ordinary flying magical beasts.

As for people below the Dou King level, besides using government-operated flying beasts, they could also take a "train" pulled by magical beasts on tracks.

The Jia Ma royal family had built railways connecting all major cities. These trains not only accelerated communication between regions but also doubled as a fast method for transporting troops during wartime. It was a highly practical solution.

Standing in the station, Lu Bu glanced at the trains, each carriage adorned with magical beast heads in the shape of horses, and couldn't help but twitch his lips.

"Are we sure this won't turn into some cliché scene where bandits with masks jump out from the bushes to rob the train?" Lu Bu muttered. "I'm not the magistrate of Goose City, and I certainly don't have a wise advisor or a lady with me."

"Fine, let's just get this over with," he sighed.

Last night, Lu Bu had absorbed a lot of life force to repair his damaged heart. He needed time to recuperate, and a flying beast ride would be too bumpy to allow for proper rest.

He bought a ticket, went through security, and found his seat—a process eerily similar to his past life, or rather, the life before that. Wanting to rest peacefully, Lu Bu spent extra gold to get a seat in the most luxurious compartment.

However, much to his surprise, there weren't any private cabins like the soft-sleeper compartments from his past life. Instead, the seating resembled that of a restaurant, with rows of open chairs.

Lu Bu chose a window seat and sat down. Not long after, the loud cry of a beast echoed through the station, and the train began to move.

Watching the scenery outside the window retreat rapidly, Lu Bu exhaled deeply, the corners of his lips curling upward.

The heavens had been kind to him, granting him a second chance. This time, he, Lu Bu, would build high walls, gather abundant resources, and bide his time until he could claim the ultimate throne—the peak of the Dou Qi Continent:

Dou Di!

How can a true man live beneath others in this vast world?

If Xiao Yan could become a Dou Di, if the Soul Heavenly Emperor could ascend to such heights, then why not Lu Bu?

Build high walls. Gather resources. Bide your time.

Lu Bu's first destination was the Magic Beast Mountain Range, where he would find treasure and begin his cultivation in earnest—not only in Dou Qi but also in alchemy. His talent as an alchemist was too good to waste.

As for learning alchemy? That would, of course, come from Yao Lao.

How would he get Yao Lao to teach him? Lu Bu wasn't worried. As a transmigrator, he had countless tricks up his sleeve that Yao Lao wouldn't be able to refuse.

And why Yao Lao, specifically? That was obvious—because Yao Lao was one of the best! Who else would he turn to for alchemy?

Of course, there was no rush for now. Smiling to himself, Lu Bu flicked his fingers, summoning a book titled "Three Years of Alchemy, Five Years of Fire Control" into his hands.

Based on the memories of this body's previous owner, he knew that in a few days, Nalan Yanran would travel to the Xiao family in Wu Tan City to annul her engagement. In other words, the story hadn't truly started yet, so Lu Bu had plenty of time.

"If the Soul Heavenly Emperor knew that Xiao Yan's journey to becoming a Dou Di began with this event, ruining his thousand-year plan, do you think he'd rush over at night to personally officiate Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran's wedding?" Lu Bu smirked at the amusing thought.

Click, click, click.

The crisp sound of high heels tapping against the floor rang out as a graceful figure appeared at the entrance to the carriage. She was dressed in a red gown, her elegant demeanor exuding charm and sophistication.

"Ya Fei, find a seat. We've got another day before we reach Wu Tan City," the elderly man behind her said in a deep voice.

"Understood, Elder Gu Ni," Ya Fei replied softly, her eyes scanning the carriage. Suddenly, her gaze brightened as she noticed a young man by the window.

Following Ya Fei's line of sight, Gu Ni furrowed his brows in displeasure. A pretty boy? What was so special about him? I was far more handsome in my youth!

"Ahem… Elder Gu Ni, please rest for a bit," Ya Fei said, regaining her composure. She gracefully stepped forward, finding a seat nearby.

Though the young man was undeniably handsome and pleasing to the eye, Ya Fei wasn't about to lose her composure over it.

"Alright." Seeing that Ya Fei made no further moves, Elder Gu Ni stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction.

"So what if he's handsome? Without any real skills, it's useless. Besides, back in my day, I, Gu Ni, was the most dashing young man for miles around. No way that kid can compare!"

"Hmm? That kid is reading a book on alchemy?" Elder Gu Ni froze for a moment, surprised. After all, he was a Tier 2 Alchemist himself.

"Ya Fei, you sit here. I'm going to have a chat with that boy," Gu Ni said, his eyebrows lifting in intrigue.

Kid, I'll make you understand that being good-looking doesn't mean anything. True strength is what matters!

Ya Fei parted her red lips slightly, puzzled. Elder Gu Ni had just seemed annoyed by that boy moments ago—what was he planning now?

Click, click, click.

The crisp sound of footsteps approached, and Ya Fei instinctively looked up. Her face lit up with joy. "Nalan, my dear sister?"

Standing at the carriage door was a girl about fourteen or fifteen years old, dressed in a moon-white fitted robe. Her face still carried a trace of youthful innocence, but her features were exquisitely beautiful, her demeanor noble—clearly a budding beauty.

She was none other than Nalan Yanran, one of the key figures in the future rise of the Flame Emperor!

Behind her was an elderly man with sharp eyes and a sword hanging from his waist. It was none other than Ge Ye, a Seven-Star Dou Master and a skilled fighter.

"Ya Fei, elder sister?" Nalan Yanran exclaimed in surprise, her graceful steps bringing her to sit beside Ya Fei.

The green jade pendant hanging from Nalan Yanran's earlobe swayed gently as she moved, emitting a crisp, refreshing sound that was soothing to the senses.

"Where are you headed, my dear sister?" Ya Fei asked with a soft laugh, her jade-like hand covering her lips.

"Wu Tan City. I'm heading the same way as you," Nalan Yanran replied with a faint smile, not hiding her destination.

"Wu Tan City…" Ya Fei froze for a moment before realization dawned. "So, you've made up your mind?"

"My marriage is something only I can decide," Nalan Yanran said calmly, her tone unwavering. This matter had already been approved by her teacher—even if her grandfather were to come rushing from home, he wouldn't be able to stop her.

"Nalan, my dear sister, you truly know your own mind…" Ya Fei's eyes sparkled with admiration before dimming slightly.

In the realm of Dou Qi, Ya Fei had no talent. Apart from the skills she had learned in business and her own beauty, she had no exceptional qualities. If nothing unexpected happened, her fate would likely be to become a pawn in her family's political alliances. If she were lucky, she would marry, support her husband, and live a peaceful life.

If she were unlucky… perhaps her final resting place would be an unmarked grave in the back garden of her husband's home.

Sensing Ya Fei's sudden melancholy, Nalan Yanran pursed her lips slightly. Her sharp intuition told her exactly what was on Ya Fei's mind.

"Are you traveling alone, elder sister?" Nalan Yanran asked, skillfully changing the subject.

"No, Elder Gu Ni is with me," Ya Fei quickly adjusted her mood and smiled. "He seems to have taken an interest in someone."

As she spoke, she raised her finger slightly, pointing toward Lu Bu, who was sitting by the window.

Nalan Yanran glanced over and was momentarily taken aback. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as they landed on the young man. He was exceptionally handsome—among his peers, he was the most striking she had ever seen.

"Haha… Nalan, my dear sister, have you taken a liking to him?" Ya Fei teased with a light laugh, covering her mouth. "You'll be a free woman soon. Why not take this handsome boy as your husband?"

"Elder sister, don't joke around…" Nalan Yanran's fair cheeks flushed faintly with a hint of pink. She quickly composed herself and said firmly, "If I am to marry, it will be to a hero of unparalleled greatness! How could I marry just anyone? If it came to that, I might as well marry Xiao Yan instead."

"Haha…" Ya Fei chuckled softly, but Elder Gu Ni returned with a frustrated expression.

"Master?"

"That boy is… strange," Elder Gu Ni sighed. "Just now, I inexplicably ended up explaining alchemy to him in detail—even more thoroughly than I do for my own disciples. It doesn't make any sense!"

By the window, Lu Bu, overhearing Nalan Yanran's words, twitched his lips. In her eyes, I'm not even as good as Xiao Yan?

Ridiculous!

Immediately, Lu Bu stood up, prepared to show Nalan Yanran what he could do.

However, just as he rose, a chill ran down his spine. An ominous premonition suddenly clouded his mind.

Lu Bu's pupils narrowed slightly. As a One-Mark Heaven Talisman Master, there's actually someone in this carriage who poses a threat to me?

Sweeping his gaze around the carriage, Lu Bu quickly suppressed the thought. The people in the carriage were all unfamiliar faces. None of them seemed capable of such a thing.

That means… someone is following me.

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, and Lu Bu's expression darkened immediately.

Who is it?!

(End of Chapter)

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