Chapter 3: Desert Flame, Crimson End
Simulated Life - Year 1
The endless heat of the Tagor Desert pressed down like a hammer. Even wrapped in a brown cloak and face scarf, Xiao Yan could feel the sun gnawing at his skin.
His beast mount had collapsed three days ago.
Now he walked.
Each step sank into the soft dunes. His water pouch was nearly empty. Yet his eyes held purpose.
He wasn't lost. He had come here on purpose.
To find her.
Queen Medusa.
The Snake-People were feared in this land, hated by humans. But Xiao Yan didn't care. This was a simulation. A chance to understand her. To change the story.
The system's blue-grade talent, Empathic Insight, pulsed softly within him. He could feel it guiding his thoughts.
> [Simulation Year: 1] [Survival Critical]
He reached the edge of a stone ridge and collapsed in the shade. Sand stuck to his lips. His mouth cracked from dryness.
And then—they came.
Five Snake-People warriors surrounded him, spears aimed. Their scales shimmered in the light.
He raised his hands.
"I'm not here to fight. I'm an alchemist. I came to help."
They didn't believe him.
They tied him in smooth silk bindings and dragged him to the oasis capital.
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Snake-People Capital - Year 1 End
He was thrown into a stone cell.
Hours passed. Then a woman entered.
Her beauty was terrifying.
Golden eyes. Long purple hair. Her presence filled the cell like heat from a fire.
Queen Medusa.
She didn't speak at first. Just stared.
"Why did you come here, human?"
"To learn," Xiao Yan said softly. "To understand you. To find a better path."
She sneered. "A human, speaking peace."
But Empathic Insight activated.
He could feel a flicker of curiosity in her.
She didn't kill him.
He was placed under watch, assigned a corner room, and forbidden from leaving the lower palace.
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Simulated Life - Year 2 to 3
Xiao Yan worked.
He treated wounds. Brewed pills. Helped the sick. He taught young snake-children how herbs worked. He repaired broken spears with alchemist tools.
He didn't flatter. Didn't beg.
He just worked.
They watched him like a snake watches prey.
Until one day, a young warrior whispered, "That human... he's not bad."
That night, Medusa summoned him.
"You pass poison in your tea," he said casually.
She blinked. Then smiled, slightly. "You drank it anyway."
"Of course," he said. "If I die, it was a good test. If I live, maybe you'll trust me more."
She said nothing. But didn't test him again.
Their meetings became longer.
Conversations turned to culture. War. The Flame.
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Simulated Life - Year 4
Xiao Yan trained. With permission.
He was allowed into the outer ring of warriors. He learned their forms. Adapted Snake techniques to human use.
His Dou Qi grew.
He reached Dou Shi.
During a beast raid on the oasis, he fought side-by-side with snake guards.
He was wounded protecting a child.
Medusa visited him during recovery. She didn't speak.
Just sat beside him.
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Simulated Life - Year 5: Mid-Winter
Queen Medusa stood before a sealed chamber deep beneath the palace.
"Come," she said.
Inside burned the Heavenly Flame. Its aura distorted the air. Her body trembled as she walked closer.
"It eats at me. Every year, it gets worse."
Xiao Yan placed his hand near hers. "Let me help."
She didn't resist.
He channeled his Qi, forming protective seals. With Yao Lao's techniques and Snake Tribe formulas, he delayed the corrosion.
She collapsed afterward.
He caught her.
"Idiot," she whispered.
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Simulated Life - Year 5: Final Month
Xiao Yan stood alone at the western wall of the oasis.
A human army approached.
Five hundred mercenaries.
They had come for the Flame. Rumors had spread.
Medusa prepared to fight.
Xiao Yan stepped forward. "Let me go first."
She hesitated. Then nodded.
He walked to the dune ridge alone.
"Turn back!" he shouted. "This is sacred land!"
They laughed.
They fired.
Xiao Yan fought.
He used everything—alchemy bombs, self-crafted Dou Techniques, poison gas, terrain.
He killed over a hundred.
But he was pierced through the chest.
He dropped to his knees.
Blood pooled around him.
He smiled.
From the oasis walls, Medusa saw everything.
And for the first time in her life, she screamed.
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> [Simulation Terminated: Host Death Confirmed] [Time Lived: 5 Years, 3 Months] [Simulation Points Gained: 5] [Choose 2 Rewards:]
Flame Affinity Boost (Free)
Queen Medusa Emotional Bond Tier I (2 Points)
Snake-People Alchemy Knowledge (1 Point)
Desert Combat Instinct (2 Points)
Xiao Yan's spirit hovered in the void.
He smiled bitterly.
"I died protecting you. I'd do it again."
He selected: Emotional Bond + Combat Instinct.
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Back to Reality
Xiao Yan gasped.
He sat upright in his bed, shirt soaked with sweat.
The courtyard was quiet.
But his eyes burned.
He reached for the scroll. Began drawing the oasis layout. And the wall he died upon.
"Next time, I won't die."
His hand clenched.
"Next time... I'll bring her with me."
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