Chapter 96: Forced to Retreat
Facing a quasi-Dou Zong, Yao Yan didn't dare underestimate the threat. While his body was indeed powerful, it was still fragile against spatial force. Unless he could elevate his physique to the second stage of the Indestructible Vajra Body, he would have no means to resist a Dou Zong-level opponent.
Spatial force was an extremely domineering power, and a Dou Zong who could wield it would absolutely crush any Dou Huang.
"Have you hugged enough?"
Just then, a charming, sultry voice whispered in Yao Yan's ear. He looked down and locked eyes with Queen Medusa's cold, noble, and breathtakingly beautiful face. Her seductive voice paired with that icy allure could easily be any man's undoing.
Compared to Caidie's natural and gentle beauty, Queen Medusa's adorned elegance hit a man's weak points on every level.
Yao Yan quickly scanned her physical condition with his soul power. His expression unchanged, he said seriously, "Your condition isn't good. You'd best stop circulating your Dou Qi—any more and it could leave you with long-term side effects, possibly affecting your future advancement to Dou Zong."
This wasn't just a scare tactic. Queen Medusa had forcibly activated her Sky Swallowing Python bloodline through a secret technique. While this gave her temporary strength on par with Xie Bi Yan, it left hidden damage in her body.
In the original story, Queen Medusa remained stuck at peak Nine-Star Dou Huang for over a decade—perhaps this battle was the reason. With her talent, she shouldn't have stagnated for so long.
Still, it wasn't all bad. Forcibly awakening the Sky Swallowing Python bloodline had deepened its integration with her body. But the bloodline power lost in the process would need to be replenished—otherwise, it would become a bottleneck.
Queen Medusa frowned slightly but didn't ask Yao Yan to let go. She chose to trust the alchemist's advice. As for being in his arms… it was a small price compared to losing her shot at Dou Zong.
Caidie's grip is softer, but her sister is definitely curvier... Yao Yan shifted his gaze back to where Xie Bi Yan was, while mentally comparing the sisters based on the sensory feedback his soul had retrieved.
Their looks and figures were nearly identical, but there were subtle differences.
Whoosh—
A wave of blood-colored energy erupted. Xie Bi Yan's battered figure reappeared, his robes in tatters and posture no longer upright. However, the crimson markings on his body intensified, making him look like a blood-soaked demon. His blood-red eyes locked onto Caidie and Hai Bodong with deadly intent.
"Ice Emperor Hai Bodong?"
His gaze zeroed in on Hai Bodong. Compared to the relatively unknown Caidie, Hai Bodong and his signature technique were well known across the northwest.
Hai Bodong frowned. He hadn't expected the old man to recognize him. For once, he regretted having such a well-known title. He'd always tried to keep a low profile outside of missions.
"When did the Jia Ma Empire start colluding with the Snake-People?"
Xie Bi Yan growled between labored breaths.
He hadn't expected to be ambushed by a mere Six-Star Dou Huang, nor had he known the Snake-People had a Dou Huang at the peak level. As for the young "Dou Ling" holding Queen Medusa, he dismissed him entirely—not even worth a second glance. Someone that weak could be crushed with a single look.
Hai Bodong inhaled deeply and said calmly, "This has nothing to do with the Jia Ma Empire. I acted on my own."
Buzz!
While Hai Bodong was explaining, Caidie made her move. After several rounds of "training" from Yao Yan, she'd learned well: only a downed enemy was worth talking to. Until then, never stop attacking. With a flick of her palms, two streams of deep-blue Dou Qi burst forth toward Xie Bi Yan.
Behind her, the phantom of a Purple Phantom Serpent materialized, instantly pushing her aura to the peak of Dou Huang. Her cold eyes fixed on her target.
Xie Bi Yan's pupils shrank. She was a Medusa Queen too?! The pressure from her companion spirit couldn't be faked or mimicked. He glanced at Queen Medusa still in Yao Yan's arms and muttered darkly, "So this generation has two Medusa Queens?"
Caidie gave no reply, simply raised her hand and continued attacking, forcing Xie Bi Yan back as her overwhelming Dou Qi surged.
Hai Bodong also delivered strikes at key moments. The seasoned fighter knew exactly when to hit: every time Xie Bi Yan tried to counterattack, Hai Bodong's timing disrupted him, breaking his focus. This forced Xie Bi Yan to waste his energy on defense. In a battle between equals, such tactics ensured the victim couldn't even gather power for a full technique.
No strong fighter waits politely for their enemy to finish charging.
Queen Medusa watched this unfold, slightly dazed—and quietly satisfied. Her sister had changed. It was exactly the kind of growth she had once hoped for. In this world, kindness was useless.
She turned to glance at Yao Yan. Her sister's transformation was clearly related to him. But the closeness between them—and the strange spiritual bond she shared with her sister—made her sigh helplessly.
"Fine, fine, since you're all so eager to die—then DIE!"
Xie Bi Yan roared. His veins bulged in rage. His energy surged again, blood-red markings covering his body, making him look even more dangerous. Caidie and Hai Bodong hesitated.
And that was when the old man turned tail and fled—his figure turning into a streak of red light.
Caidie froze in disbelief. Hai Bodong, however, wasn't surprised in the slightest. Someone who'd lived this long didn't fight to the death. Charging blindly into a losing battle was something only hot-blooded youngsters did. Old survivors knew when to run.
He ran… Yao Yan hesitated but didn't pursue. He planned to deal with the man later. In the original story, the old guy gave Xiao Yan a decent opportunity. Once Yao Yan subdued the Green Lotus Core Flame, he could go collect.
The full Dou Qi of a quasi-Dou Zong might just help him skip straight past the Dou Wang and Dou Huang stages…
(END CHAPTER)
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