Medusa and Zi Yan sat cross-legged on a smooth boulder by the lakeside, the Dou Qi barrier around them shimmering faintly like heat haze, blocking all sound and most spiritual probing.
Zi Yan leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity.
"So… you're saying you used to be a snake, then evolved into the legendary Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python? That's so cool!"
Medusa gave a small, proud lift of her chin.
"Correct. Evolution is not easy for our kind. Every step requires unimaginable pain and countless rare treasures. But once successful…" She extended her hand; a wisp of nine-colored mist coiled around her fingers like living silk. "…the power is worth it."
Zi Yan stared at the colorful mist in open envy.
"I want that too! My current form is strong, but I always feel like something is missing. Like I'm one big breakthrough away from being truly awesome."
Medusa studied the little dragon girl carefully.
"Your bloodline is ancient—far older than mine. If my guess is correct, you should be a member of the Taixu Ancient Dragon clan… or at least carry very pure Taixu Ancient Dragon blood. That's why we feel close. Our lineages are distantly related through the primordial dragon and python branches."
Zi Yan's eyes widened.
"Taixu Ancient Dragon? That sounds super powerful! Does that mean I can become as strong as those legendary dragons in the stories?"
"Potentially stronger," Medusa said seriously. "But only if you awaken your bloodline properly. Right now your body is still in a growth phase. You need massive amounts of energy—both spiritual and physical—to force the awakening."
Zi Yan immediately deflated.
"That's what Xiao Jietian said too… accumulate energy, reach Dou Huang, then he'll tell me everything. But Dou Huang feels so far away!"
Medusa's lips curved in a sly smile.
"Then why wait passively? You have the perfect 'resource' right here."
Zi Yan blinked.
"You mean… Xiao Jietian?"
"Exactly." Medusa leaned closer, voice lowering even though no one could hear them. "That man has endless pills, top-grade cultivation techniques, and—most importantly—an entire small world full of dense energy. If you stay close to him, reaching Dou Huang will be much faster than cultivating alone in the academy forest."
Zi Yan's eyes lit up, then immediately narrowed in suspicion.
"But he's always bullying me! Carrying me like a sack, patting my butt, messing up my hair… he's clearly doing it on purpose!"
Medusa chuckled softly.
"That's just how he shows affection to little girls. Look at Qing Lin back then—he spoiled her rotten too. And now she's one of his most loyal ones. You just have to learn how to take advantage of him instead of letting him take advantage of you."
Zi Yan rubbed her chin seriously, thinking hard.
"So… I should act cute, ask for more pills, stay here longer, secretly absorb the energy of this world… and when I get strong enough, I can bully him back?"
"Precisely." Medusa nodded approvingly. "You're smarter than you look."
Zi Yan suddenly grinned, showing her small tiger teeth.
"Then it's decided! From today onward, I'm officially moving in! He has to take responsibility since he brought me here anyway!"
The two exchanged a conspiratorial look.
Medusa raised one elegant brow.
"Remember—don't let him know we're scheming. Act like your usual tsundere self. The more he thinks you're reluctant, the more he'll try to win you over with pills and treasures."
"Got it!" Zi Yan clenched her small fist. "Operation Endless Pills begins now!"
Outside the barrier, Xiao Jietian—who was currently being climbed on by two giggling toddlers—suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.
He subconsciously glanced toward the lake.
Yun Yun noticed his movement and followed his gaze.
"What's wrong?"
"…Nothing." Xiao Jietian shook his head slowly. "I just have the sudden feeling that my pill reserves are about to suffer a devastating blow."
Ya Fei, who had returned to clinging to his arm, immediately laughed.
"That's what happens when you keep spoiling little girls. Qing Lin was already bad enough—now you've brought home an even hungrier one."
Han Yue covered her mouth and giggled.
"Senior Sister Zi Yan does seem like she could eat a mountain of pills every day."
Qing Lin gently bounced Xiao Meng and added with a shy smile:
"She's actually very cute when she's not angry. I think… she'll fit in well here."
Xiao Jietian looked at the peaceful scene—his daughters laughing in his arms, his women chatting and teasing each other, the two "plotters" by the lake occasionally throwing glances his way—and let out a helpless yet content sigh.
"Looks like the family is getting bigger again."
He lightly kissed Xiao Ling's forehead, then Xiao Meng's.
"As long as they're happy… let them scheme. I have plenty of pills anyway."
Little did he know that the two by the lake had already upgraded their plan from "endless pills" to "endless pills + secret training ground takeover + eventual revenge bullying".
Somewhere in the distance, the sound of Medusa's low laughter drifted over the water.
"Very good, little dragon. Very good indeed."
Zi Yan pumped her fist again.
"Hehe… just wait, big bad guy. This young lady will make you regret ever patting my butt!"
Back at the pavilion, Xiao Jietian sneezed violently for no apparent reason.
The women immediately burst into laughter once more.
"Looks like someone's in trouble~" Ya Fei sang.
Xiao Jietian could only rub his nose helplessly.
*…Why do I feel like I've dug my own grave this time?*