Departure

Outside the Serpent Clan's Holy City, on the peak of a cliff, three figures—two large and one small—overlooked the Holy City of the Serpent Clan below.

"It seems that Medusa was in the middle of some kind of evolution and it failed," Lu Man said with a sigh as the screams from the Medusa Temple ceased. She then turned to Qing Lin and asked, "Have you made your decision?"

"It's a shame to see such a beautiful snake-people woman fall," Bai Ya said with a smirk, then also looked at Qing Lin. "Little girl, have you decided? If you come to the Sky Serpent Mansion, our Great Elder will spare no effort in training you."

Qing Lin didn't answer immediately. Her mind wandered back to the past month of interactions with Xiao Se. 

This time had been the happiest of her tragic life. No one had insulted or bullied her. Xiao Se would tell her jokes, play with her, pinch her cheeks, grill meat for her, and even, while she was asleep, had Long Kui help make beautiful dresses from his old clothes for her.

After a long silence, Qing Lin recalled the time when Medusa had threatened Xiao Se. Though Xiao Se had cleverly diffused the situation, she didn't want to face such danger again. She needed to become stronger to protect the only person she cherished.

"I will go with you," Qing Lin suddenly lifted her face, her emerald eyes filled with determination.

Qing Lin had heard of the Sky Serpent Mansion from Xiao Se. If she hadn't, she wouldn't have agreed so readily to go. Previously, she had only heard Xiao Se casually mention that it was a good place for her training. Now, to protect the one who brought light into her life, she chose to go with them willingly.

Hearing this, Lu Man's face showed a satisfied smile. She picked up Qing Lin and exchanged a glance with Bai Ya. The two of them opened their dou qi wings and swiftly flew away.

In Lu Man's arms, looking at the shrinking Snake-people Holy City, she thought, "Big brother, wait for me." Not long after they left, the previously clear sky over the Snake-People Holy City suddenly darkened. Gale winds howled, and dark clouds slowly covered the entire sky.

The sudden change rekindled a glimmer of hope in the Snake-People Clan as they anticipated their queen's success in the evolution.

On the island, Xiao Se looked up at the suddenly rising dark clouds. His heart finally relaxed, and he murmured, "It looks like she's passed the body tempering phase with the Heavenly Flame . Next is the real test: shedding the old body with thunder power and then using soul power to form a new one."

As he spoke, Xiao Se quickly ran to below the Heavenly Flame , opened the Vast Sea Protective Barrier, and positioned himself near the Heavenly Flame . He preferred to stay near the Heavenly Flame and use it as a lightning rod along with the Vast Sea Protective Barrier for safety.

"Boom!" Thunder roared within the dark clouds, deafeningly loud. Suddenly, the sky brightened as silver lightning poured down, transforming into blue electric snakes that struck the island. In no time, the once pristine island was reduced to ruins.

The lightning came quickly and left even faster. The thunderous sound dissipated, the dark clouds cleared, and the blazing sun once again illuminated the entire Snake-People Holy City.

With the Vast Sea Protective Barrier retracted, Xiao Se recalled the disastrous scene and swallowed hard. He slowly walked to the Green Lotus Core Flame and raised the lotus seat, collecting the Heavenly Flame into it.

At this moment, the previously charred body of the purple giant snake cracked with a loud snap. A vast and terrifying aura suddenly burst forth, instantly enveloping the entire city and then rapidly contracting.

Xiao Se stored the green lotus seat and Heavenly Flame into the system storage, turned, and looked towards the source of the aura, tentatively calling out, "Your Majesty? Queen? Lady Queen?"

He called out several times without response. After a while, the colorful light receded, revealing a small snake about two centimeters long, covered in tiny multicolored scales.

"Schikk Schikk."

The small snake, newly arrived in this world, appeared quite frightened. It wiggled its tiny tail, its light purple eyes blinking as it gazed at Xiao Se. It cautiously approached but quickly retreated, looking pitiful.

"It seems that even though the evolution was successful, Queen Medusa's soul is too weak and has fallen into slumber," Xiao Se said with a smile, shaking his head. He took out a bottle of Amethyst Lion Birth Essence from his storage ring, opened the bottle, and slowly offered it to the colorful little snake. He then stepped back a few paces and said, "Eat up, little one!"

The little snake seemed confused at first, but then slowly approached, tentatively licking the offered bottle. Its light purple eyes lit up as it began to eagerly consume the contents.

Before long, the entire bottle of Amethyst Lion Birth Essence was licked clean by the little snake.

After consuming the Amethyst Lion Birth Essence , the little snake seemed less wary of Xiao Se. It slowly moved its small body and eventually climbed onto his shoulder, nuzzling its forehead against Xiao Se's cheek affectionately.

"Little one, stay with me until the queen awakens," Xiao Se said gently, patting the colorful little snake. He then once again opened the Vast Sea Protective Barrier, covering the already ruined island. He was about to begin the process of devouring the Heavenly Flame .

The little snake, seemingly understanding Xiao Se's intention, snuggled into his arms.

Xiao Se took out the Blood Lotus Pill, Ice Spirit Cold Fountain, and Acceptance Soul one by one, checked them carefully, and confirmed they were in order. Holding the green lotus platform with the Green Lotus Core Flame , he infused his soul power into it, separating the blue flames from the lotus seat. He then jumped onto the lotus seat and began the process of devouring the Heavenly Flame .

Misty Cloud Sect Plaza

"Lord Yun, Elder Lion, Feng Li, and everyone, I'm counting on you this time," Gu He said, standing next to a medium-sized flying ship, and clasped his hands in respect.

"Elder Gu, there's no need for formalities. You're helping Yan Ran with pills and cultivation; I'm merely repaying a favor," Yun Yun, the master of the Misty Cloud Sect, said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Gu He showed a wry smile, sighed lightly, and said nothing further.

Lion King Yan Shi and Wind Walker Feng Li, knowing Gu He's long-standing admiration for Yun Yun, stepped in to ease the awkward atmosphere.

"Old He, hurry up and go. Don't be late. Someone has already snatched your Heavenly Flame ," Lion King said, patting Gu He's shoulder to change the subject.

"Delays could lead to problems," Wind Walker Feng Li added.

Gu He nodded, led everyone aboard the flying ship, and they departed.

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