At the boundary of the altar, Ming Cheng and Mei Ling stood quietly, while Xun Er, Cai Lin, and the Little Fairy Doctor remained close by, their eyes fixed on Xiao Hua. He had been seated upon the stone chair for an entire afternoon, motionless.
The three elegant figures involuntarily furrowed their brows. Though their trust in Xiao Hua's strength was unwavering, they could not suppress the unease in their hearts.
The stone tablet had been left behind by one of the most formidable experts of ancient times—its depths unfathomable, its dangers unpredictable. Even knowing his unparalleled talent, they could not help but feel a trace of worry gnawing at their hearts as the hours dragged on.
Another half an hour slipped by in silence. Just as the three could no longer endure the wait, the stone tablet suddenly erupted with a dazzling glow.
A soul shot forth amid the light and returned to the body seated upon the stone chair. Joy instantly surged in Xun Er's group as their eyes lit up.
Cough!
Xiao Hua's tightly shut eyes snapped open. His gaze—left crimson, right cyan—flashed with an entrancing brilliance. Though uninjured, his face carried the weariness of one who had endured immense strain. The Primal Divine Thunder Roar had drained him deeply without the support of his Dou Qi, leaving behind a fatigue he could not conceal.
"Brother Xiao Hua, are you alright?"
Xun Er, Cai Lin, and the Little Fairy Doctor rushed to his side, alarm flickering in their beautiful eyes as they saw the exhaustion on his face.
"I'm fine… only worn out from using my technique to withstand Demon Saint Huang Quan's strike." Xiao Hua let out a faint, bitter chuckle, raising his hand to reassure them. With practiced ease, he retrieved a pill that nourished the soul, swallowing it slowly as a faint glow spread through him, gradually washing away the fatigue.
"It seems Demon Saint Huang Quan's soul fragment was indeed terrifying..." Ming Cheng arrived in haste, his expression easing only after confirming Xiao Hua's safety.
"Well… he was said to be only half a step away from the Dou Di realm. How could someone of that level be anything but extraordinary?" Mei Ling's soft laughter carried astonishment, her eyes lingering on Xiao Hua with admiration. That even a fragment could force her little brother into exhaustion left her both shaken and impressed.
Though both Ming Cheng and Mei Ling understood Xiao Hua's current limitations—unable to wield his Dou Qi freely—they knew well how difficult it was to see him fatigued, even when relying solely on his soul.
"Brother Xiao Hua… the inheritance?"
At last, Yao Ming, who had remained silent until Xiao Hua had steadied himself, could not suppress his question. His voice trembled slightly, betraying his anticipation.
"Rest assured, Brother Yao Ming. I did not fail your request." Xiao Hua nodded with calm certainty, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he turned his gaze toward the ancient stone tablet.
Bang!
The tablet suddenly rumbled, releasing a deep, resonant sound. Before their eyes, the faint outline of a mouth emerged above the engraved finger and palm. From it surged a mysterious fluctuation, ancient and vast, as though it carried the echoes of Huang Quan himself.
"Yellow Spring Divine Anger!"
Yao Ming's eyes widened in shock as the shape of a mouth fully formed upon the stone tablet. In the next instant, his expression twisted into wild ecstasy. Without hesitation, he hurriedly sat cross-legged, his Spiritual Strength surging forth to touch that mysterious imprint.
But before he could draw in the information contained within, a terrifying spiritual assault erupted, crashing violently against his soul.
Grug—!
A muffled groan tore from his throat as blood spurted from his mouth. His body was flung backward, crashing down the towering steps in a wretched state. After a brief struggle, he forced himself up, his body trembling and face pale, before stumbling back toward Xiao Hua's group.
"What a terrifying spiritual strike…" His voice was hoarse, and his bitter smile revealed his helplessness. "It seems I have yet to meet the requirements to cultivate the Yellow Spring Divine Anger…"
He wiped the blood from the corner of his lips and let out a regretful sigh.
Ming Cheng merely shook his head at Yao Ming's impatience. His gaze shifted back to the stone tablet, his voice slow yet firm: "Only one whose soul has reached the Heavenly State can withstand it…"
Yao Ming's face twitched, his eyes dimming as despair washed over him. Among magical beasts, the cultivation of the soul was exceedingly arduous, far more so than for humans. Ming Cheng's words struck him like a heavy blow, weighing down his chest with a suffocating helplessness.
"This Huang Quan stone tablet is indeed peculiar. The Demon Saint's soul fragment within it has already vanished, yet the remnant might it contains is still this terrifying. Truly, none could rival Demon Saint Huang Quan in those years..."
Mei Ling ignored Yao Ming's despair, her eyes fixed intently on the stone tablet as she voiced her astonishment.
"Still, there is no need for impatience. The cultivation method of the Yellow Spring Divine Anger is already carved upon the tablet. Once your soul reaches the required level, you may naturally cultivate it." Xiao Hua offered a faint smile as he reassured Yao Ming.
"I am already an advanced 2-Star Dou Sheng, yet I still cannot meet its conditions. Who knows how long it will take before I reach such a state? It seems I have no affinity with this Yellow Spring Divine Anger after all..." Yao Ming sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness. Yet in the next breath, his eyes lit up with excitement as he turned toward Xiao Hua.
Rubbing his hands together, he forced a dry laugh. "Brother Xiao Hua, since you overcame the soul fragment within the stone tablet... you must have obtained the Demon Saint's essence blood, yes?"
"Be at ease, Brother Yao Ming. As I promised, the blood essence will be handed to you and your tribe. After all, this stone tablet was left behind for your Nine Serene Deep Ground Python clan." Xiao Hua's faint smile carried both calmness and certainty as he spoke.
"Ha ha, Brother Xiao Hua is truly too generous. I have decided to share a portion of this essence blood with your wives, so do not hesitate to let them benefit as well." Yao Ming laughed heartily, his expression carrying the air of magnanimity. He was already more than satisfied that the majority of the essence blood would fall to him and his tribe; sparing some for Xun Er and the others was something he did not mind.
Xiao Hua was momentarily startled before nodding in appreciation. Truthfully, he was somewhat surprised that Yao Ming would so readily make such a concession. Without further hesitation, he separated the share for Xun Er, Cai Lin, and Little Fairy Doctor, then passed the remainder to Yao Ming, leaving the decision of its distribution to him.
Moreover, Xiao Hua took out a pill and handed it over. Though not as miraculous as the Demon Saint's essence blood, this pill could still aid in the tempering of one's Spiritual Strength, shortening the time required to meet the conditions for cultivating the Yellow Spring Divine Anger.
"Ha ha, then I must thank Brother Xiao Hua for this great favor." Yao Ming accepted it with a grateful expression before carefully storing it away.
Not long after, his expression shifted slightly. He turned toward Xiao Hua and said in a solemn tone, "Brother Xiao Hua, Hall Master Ming Cheng and Hall Master Mei Ling have spoken with me regarding the matter of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe and not to intervene with this matter..."
"However, while the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python will not intervene, the situation is entirely different for the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe. Those fellows will definitely dispatch their experts to aid the three dragon kings if the reward is the Dragon-Phoenix essence blood..."
Yao Ming spoke solemnly, his gaze fixed on Xiao Hua, revealing the depth of his thoughts.
"That is true, but it is not something we need to overly concern ourselves with."
Xiao Hua nodded slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He found nothing surprising in the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe's likely involvement—after all, the benefits outweighed the risks for them.
"If they insist on interfering, then we will simply take… other measures." Xiao Hua's voice was soft, yet it carried a sharp edge. His glance swept toward Ming Cheng and Mei Ling, both of whom were smiling with undisguised anticipation.
"Ha ha, those birds will come to regret meddling in this civil war," Yao Ming laughed. Just the thought of their eventual despair brought satisfaction to his face.
"However, since Brother Xiao Hua and the others intend to enter the Empty Realm, allow me and some of my tribe to follow alongside." His tone shifted to one of firm resolve.
He was well aware that the three dragon kings would be doomed the moment Xiao Hua and his companions stepped into the conflict. Thus, he chose to show his allegiance early, using this chance to secure favor with the Ancient Void Dragon clan.
Xiao Hua smiled knowingly, seeing through his intent yet not rejecting it. Instead, his words rang with absolute confidence:
"If we can truly bring this matter to an end, I will stake my very life as guarantee—that the Ancient Void Dragon clan and the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python clan shall become the firmest of allies. From that day onward, there will not be three great tribes, but only two."
"Ha ha! With Brother Xiao Hua's words, how could I hold back? I will spare no effort in opposing the three dragon kings!"
Yao Ming thumped his chest, his voice brimming with excitement and gratitude. With Xiao Hua's declaration, he believed this alliance was sealed in iron.
After all, even in their fragmented state, the strength of the Ancient Void Dragon clan on any single island was not inferior to his entire tribe. If they truly unified in the future, their power would be beyond terrifying. By standing as their ally, the Nine Serene Deep Ground Pythons' position in the Magical Beast World would become unshakable for all eternity.
"Brother Xiao Hua should take a proper rest. In the meantime, I will dispatch some experts from my tribe to observe the movements of the Heaven Demon Phoenix. The moment their experts make a move, I will inform you at once."
Yao Ming spoke decisively. Once he set his mind on something, hesitation never existed in his actions.
"In that case, I'll trouble Tribal Chief Yao Ming. During this period, we'll remain in the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. Additionally…" Xiao Hua's gaze shifted briefly to Cai Lin as he continued, "…we may need to borrow the Nine Serene Spring." He was already planning to use its power to aid Cai Lin in tempering her body.
"This is but a trivial matter. Brother Xiao Hua need not mention it again. We have already made preparations for Lady Cai Lin." Yao Ming waved his hand dismissively, his lips carrying a smile.
With that, they returned to the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe. Yao Ming still required preparations to counter the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe, so he immediately convened with the elders and began laying out his plans.
Though he had only recently regained his position, his resolute nature would not allow him to falter. No matter how difficult, he would resolve these matters swiftly and thoroughly.
While Yao Ming busied himself, Xiao Hua's group rested for an entire day. By the following morning, they once again arrived beside the Nine Serene Spring.
Despite its tranquil appearance, the spring exuded a biting coldness capable of killing an ordinary expert. Yet the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline carried an unparalleled affinity with such chilling energy.
Xiao Hua turned toward Cai Lin, his eyes resting on her figure as he smiled faintly. "With the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's bloodline, you alone can absorb the energy within the Nine Serene Spring without fear, Cai'er."
Cai Lin shook her head lightly, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Not only me—there are still Older Sister Li Mei and Older Sister Xin Yu." Her gaze lifted, locking onto Xiao Hua with quiet warmth. "And besides… isn't there you, who successfully refined the Celestial Ancient Frost?"
"Ah…" Xiao Hua was momentarily stunned, realizing he had completely forgotten this fact. After all, the Nine Serene Spring would pose no hindrance to his two sworn elder sisters, let alone himself…
Cai Lin chuckled softly, amused by his reaction. Her gaze then turned toward the spring, her lips curving into a faint smile. "The dark and cold force within the Nine Serene Spring is extraordinary. Even the experts of the Nine Serene Deep Ground Python tribe would not dare venture deep within. Yet, for me, it is hardly an obstacle."
Her tone carried a quiet pride. As the sole Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python of this era, she was indeed qualified to look down upon all serpent-type magical beasts.
"Besides, I am here to accept the inheritance of the Heaven-Swallowing Python tribe. This retreat will not end quickly…" Her words trailed off as a flicker of melancholy and reluctance surfaced in her eyes. She turned back to Xiao Hua and said softly, "Take care of Yuyan for me during this time."
"That goes without saying, Cai'er. She is our daughter—the very proof of our bond. How could I not protect and cherish her?" Xiao Hua replied firmly, reaching out to wrap his arms around Cai Lin's slender, graceful waist.
"Have you forgotten your own condition?" Cai Lin sighed, a trace of exasperation mingling with her concern. "You will no doubt enter seclusion again once this is over. I only hope that the other two of you can keep Yuyan company and prevent her from feeling lonely…"
"Flame and Thunder are both me, split from my soul yet still the same. Naturally, they share my feelings. Their affection and warmth toward Xiao Yuyan are no different from mine—they would never harm our child," Xiao Hua replied calmly.
"Don't forget, there is also Xun'er, Xian'er, and Fei'er. They will certainly keep her company. Though…" His voice lowered into a murmur, "…perhaps because of that, they've become a little too active in the bedroom…"
Cai Lin shot him a sharp glare at the lascivious remark, only to sigh softly. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she whispered, "It cannot be helped. Yuyan is simply too adorable…"
"Of course. She is our daughter. And she inherited her mother's beauty, so it's no surprise at all," Xiao Hua said proudly, his expression carrying the boastful joy of a father praising his beloved child.
Cai Lin giggled faintly, the sound carrying a gentle allure. Twisting her enchanting waist, she leaned deeper into Xiao Hua's embrace, savoring the warmth that radiated from him. Her long, narrow eyes shimmered with a subtle, bewitching glow as she tilted her head upward. Then, with deliberate slowness, she pressed her crimson lips against his.
Xiao Hua froze for an instant, dazed by the sudden softness. His arms instinctively tightened around her delicate, boneless waist. That waist—the famed serpent's allure—swayed with a charm that seemed capable of toppling all living beings.
Yet, just as Xiao Hua surrendered himself to that gentleness, the beauty in his embrace pulled away. A soft, teasing whisper brushed against his ear.
"Be careful. Remember… your life no longer belongs only to yourself. It belongs to this Queen, Sister Xun Er, Sister Little Doctor, and Sister Ya Fei."
Xiao Hua's heart trembled at those words. He turned his head, only to see the corners of Cai Lin's lips curve into an enchanting arc, delicate as the final stroke of a masterpiece. In that moment, the gentle woman in his arms transformed before his eyes—her aura shifting to something cold, regal, and untouchable.
In that instant, Cai Lin, who had been tender at his side for so many years, seemed to revert to the ruthless Medusa of the past, the woman who had once shaken the entire Jia Ma Empire… and had utterly captivated Xiao Hua's heart.
"You..."
Xiao Hua was momentarily stunned, for Cai Lin seemed to transform into an entirely different person. Just as he was about to speak, she suddenly smiled, her lovely figure swaying like flowing silk. In the next breath, her form expanded into that of an enormous Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.
With a sweep of her massive tail, she dove straight into the Nine Serene Yellow Spring without once glancing back. A towering wave erupted in her wake.
Bubble!
The lake roiled violently the instant Cai Lin entered. Countless bubbles surged upward, and the energy of the Nine Serene Spring stirred restlessly as if awakening from slumber.
Xiao Hua stood frozen on the shore. For a long moment, he was unable to move. At last, a bitter smile tugged at his lips. His fingers brushed lightly across them, recalling the warmth of her once-gentle smile. His gaze lingered upon the rippling surface of the spring, his eyes shadowed with tangled emotions.
Ever since that day in the magma world beneath the black ivory tower—when she had confessed her love to him with unshakable resolve—Cai Lin had softened. The once-proud Queen Medusa had bent her will, yielding to his every request. She had played the role of wife, of mother, as if her heart's only desire was to fulfill his wishes and cradle their daughter's laughter.
Yet Xiao Hua now realized that the cold and prideful Queen Medusa still slumbered deep within her bones. For his sake—and for little Xiao Yuyan—she had restrained her true nature, forcing herself into the mold of gentleness.
"Cai Lin… you need not bury your true self. The fire in your soul is what first drew me to you. Neither Yuyan nor I wish to see you suppress it. We love not only the gentle mother and wife, but also the proud queen who dares to defy the heavens."
His words drifted with the rippling breeze, mingling with the scent of the Nine Serene Spring. A sigh escaped him, heavy with longing yet threaded with hope.
He could not deny it—his heart was bound to both sides of her. And though guilt gnawed at him for the chains she placed upon herself, he still believed that one day, gentleness and pride, wife and queen, could exist within her side by side.
His figure flickered and reappeared atop a jagged rock jutting over the abyss. Settling cross-legged, he closed his eyes and called out to Yu Ru Meng within his spiritual sea.
"Sister, how is my condition…?"
"Neither too bad nor too good," Yu Ru Meng's solemn voice echoed in his mind. "From my calculations, if you fail to reach the Dou Di realm within a few years, your body will suffer a severe backlash. The Heavenly Genesis Flame, Primordial Heaven Lightning, and Celestial Ancient Frost will reject you. If you continue to use Dou Qi, the consequences will be unbearable."
Xiao Hua exhaled slowly, a trace of relief flickering in his heart. Though grim, the news was not hopeless. He could still fight, at least for now. All the same, he resolved to inform Flame and Thunder, allowing one of them to shoulder the strain should it worsen.
Just as he prepared to do so, a ripple of space surged before him. Mei Ling, Xun Er, and Little Fairy Doctor emerged from the fluctuation, their faces grave.
Before any of them could speak, another figure strode out—Yao Ming. His expression was equally solemn as he delivered the news.
"Brother Xiao Hua, the Heaven Demon Phoenix tribe has dispatched experts to the Empty Realm in support of the three great dragon islands. Among them… is none other than Huang Tian, the leader of the Heaven Demon Phoenix!"
"What!?"
Xiao Hua's heart jolted violently, his face paling as he involuntarily cried out. He had never expected that man to personally appear at this stage. What kind of storm had erupted in the civil war for even Huang Tian to set foot here, rather than merely sending his subordinates?
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato