After relocating the Snake-People and ensuring their safety even in temporary isolation, Xiao Hua and Queen Medusa returned to the secluded valley on the outskirts of the Magic Beast Mountain Range.
Naturally, he left behind a few medicinal pills—such as the Tier 7 Body Transformation Pill and the Tier 6 Mighty Huang Pill—to aid the Snake-People in strengthening themselves.
With these resources, Queen Medusa no longer needed to worry about them being targeted or harmed by other forces.
That said, Xiao Hua believed it was unlikely for any faction within the Jia Ma Empire to pose a real threat. After all, even nurturing a single Dou Wang was a significant challenge for most forces—let alone several.
The Snake-People, already possessing multiple Dou Wangs, could now be considered a formidable power within the empire.
Upon their return to the small valley, the Swallowing Heaven Python could no longer hold back and immediately took control, eagerly seeking its promised reward from Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua didn't mind in the slightest. He casually took out a couple of jade bottles filled with Amethyst Essence, which the Swallowing Heaven Python consumed on the spot. Fully satisfied, it slithered under Xiao Hua's robe and coiled comfortably around his wrist.
Watching this scene, Xiao Hua could only shake his head with a resigned smile before turning his gaze toward Little Fairy Doctor and the other two. "Now that the matter with the Snake-People is settled, shall we head for the Jia Nan Academy?"
"Sure. We didn't have much to prepare—we were only waiting for you and Sister Medusa to finish your task and return," Little Fairy Doctor nodded with a gentle smile.
"Um… is it okay for me to go too?" Qing Lin shyly raised her hand, her voice soft and uncertain. She wasn't familiar with Jia Nan Academy and wasn't part of it either, so she worried she might cause trouble for the group.
Moreover, unlike Little Fairy Doctor, who was powerful and held the strength of a Dou Zun, Qing Lin was merely at the Dou Ling level—the weakest among them. Even her pet, the 'Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent', wasn't strong enough to pose a threat to anyone.
"It's fine. It wouldn't be the first time an elder brought someone into the academy to be nurtured. Take Zi Yan, for example—she wasn't in my batch or anyone else's, and was brought back by the First Elder," Xiao Hua said with a shake of his head, offering Qing Lin a reassuring smile.
"He's right. I was brought in by the First Elder…" Zi Yan nodded, her tone light at first, but by the end, a trace of dissatisfaction crept into her voice. "But that old man always stopped me from eating the natural treasures they had!"
"Haha…" Qing Lin could only let out an awkward laugh at her complaint.
She knew just how many medicinal pills Zi Yan had been receiving from Xiao Hua, so she could understand why the First Elder had scolded her for taking them from the medicinal warehouse.
"Anyway, once we return, I'll immediately enter seclusion to refine a Tier 9 Treasure Pill. If possible, could you help gather the medicinal ingredients from this list whenever you have time?"
As he spoke, Xiao Hua handed over a slip of paper filled with the names of various rare medicinal ingredients. If any high-tier alchemist were to see the list, their eyes would widen in shock—each item was not only uncommon, but exceptionally rare and difficult to obtain.
However, the girls didn't seem fazed. Xiao Hua had entrusted them with this task, and they knew that means that it is within their capability finding the ingredients. After all, this was for the sake of Queen Medusa, and that alone was enough reason for them to commit fully.
"Alright then, let's go," Xiao Hua said as he flicked his sleeve. A flicker of light appeared on his fingertip before a palm-sized boat manifested in his hand. With a wave, the miniature vessel shot into the sky and rapidly expanded, transforming into a ten-foot-long flying boat.
This flying boat had been gifted by the System, much like the Cloud-Void Steering Ship, though its grade was considerably lower. It was a basic aerial vessel, lacking the ability to transform into a Spatial Ship.
Moreover, it required external energy input to operate and lacked the ability to absorb natural energy on its own. Even so, its speed was astonishingly fast.
It also possessed a camouflage function that concealed both the ship and those onboard, making it undetectable. Its stability made it ideal for long-distance travel, offering a smooth and comfortable journey.
Xiao Hua and the others leapt onto the flying boat. With its astonishing speed, the journey to Jia Nan Academy would only take a few short days.
…
As they exited the Magic Beast Mountain Range, Xiao Hua suddenly sensed three powerful auras. They were faintly unique and carried a chilling presence. However, what truly caught his attention was the familiar aura radiating from one of them.
Without hesitation, Xiao Hua halted the flying boat and disabled its concealment. Standing calmly at the bow, he waited patiently for the approaching figures.
Though Little Fairy Doctor and the other two were confused, none of them said a word. Instead, they watched Xiao Hua's relaxed smile—free of any tension or hostility—as he stepped off the boat. Their curiosity only grew, wondering who the newcomers were to make him react this way.
A few minutes later, three streaks of light shot through the sky, coming to a stop near the Xiao Hua's flying boat.
As their figures came into view, their appearances became clear—two women cloaked in black robes, and a massive beast following behind them.
The woman standing at the center wore a form-fitting outfit, a green, scale-like armored bodice layered over a dark burgundy undersuit. The armor was trimmed with gold and featured prominent belt-like fastenings around her waist and hips, giving her a sharp, commanding presence. Her undersuit extended fully over her arms and neck, and she wore a high-collared mask that concealed the lower half of her face, adding an air of mystery.
To her left stood another woman, silent and seemingly stunned. She wore a Doupeng—a conical straw hat with a long cloth draping down from its tip, hiding her face from view. Yet, despite the concealment, the graceful curves of her figure were impossible to ignore. It exuded an allure so enchanting that it could ignite wicked thoughts in the hearts of impulsive young men unable to restrain themselves.
The third figure was not human, but a massive beast—more precisely, a colossal serpent. Its entire body was pitch black, vast and coiling like a living mountain. Across its dark scales ran numerous glowing lines, etched in strange patterns. On either side of its immense body, eight black wings unfurled, each streaked with traces of purple, giving the beast an ominous, otherworldly presence.
Atop its head curled a spiral-patterned black horn, its tip faintly glowing with a poisonous purple light—clearly hiding a venom both deadly and refined. Just above its brow, faint luminous lines formed a vague crown-like shape, as though marking it a monarch among serpents.
Within its triangular eyes, there was no bestial savagery. Instead, a cold, cunning intelligence flickered—shrewd and calculating, like that of a human strategist rather than a mindless beast.
"Well… this is quite unexpected. I never thought I'd see Elder Bai here," Xiao Hua said with a playful smile curling on his lips as his gaze fell on the woman standing to the left.
"It seems the Jia Ma Empire has gained quite the powerful backer…" Elder Bai replied, her tone carrying a hint of apprehension.
The other two remained silent, letting her speak with Xiao Hua. As members of one of the top forces in the northwestern region—an influence that had even extended its reach into the Black-Corner Region—it was clear they had heard of the young man before them.
Besides, they could feel the quiet pressure that radiated from him was unfathomable. It sent a chill down their spines, warning them of the terrifying strength he possessed. For that reason, they said nothing and left the conversation entirely to Elder Bai, who seemed to share some kind of connection with him.
"This place is my birthplace," Xiao Hua said with a soft chuckle, shaking his head. Then he turned to Little Fairy Doctor and the others and began introducing Elder Bai.
"She is Bai Yuexin, an Elder from Sky Serpent Mansion," Xiao Hua said, glancing at the woman beside him. "I met her when I was a kid, back before she became an elder. At the time, I was just a lowly Da Dou Shi, and she was at the peak of Dou Ling. She was being chased, and I got caught up in the mess."
"You also hit me because of it," Bai Yuexin added, a hint of bitterness in her tone.
"I punched you because you hesitated to explain why you were being chased. They even turned on me, thinking I was your companion," Xiao Hua replied, rolling his eyes. A faint mocking smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"I was in the middle of a transaction with someone else! You were just unlucky to be nearby at the time!" Bai Yuexin huffed, gritting her teeth. "Still, that doesn't give you the right to punch me when I was already badly injured!"
"And I gave you ten recovery pills and even one that helped you safely advance to Dou Wang," Xiao Hua waved his hand dismissively, not a trace of guilt showing on his face.
'He's really merciless… even to a woman,' everyone thought simultaneously, shaking their heads as they looked at Bai Yuexin with a hint of sympathy.
"Regardless…" Cold sweat trickled down Xiao Hua's back as he felt the intense glares directed at him. Choosing to swiftly change the subject, he asked, "What are you doing here?"
"This…" Bai Yuexin hesitated, unsure whether to speak. She glanced at the woman standing beside her—a figure clearly of higher status that her—seeking guidance.
More importantly, Bai Yuexin had already experienced Xiao Hua's merciless nature firsthand. She had no desire to provoke him again by making the mistake of hesitating too long.
The masked woman sighed softly and stepped forward, choosing to handle the situation herself. Cupping her hands respectfully, she introduced herself. "Master Xiao Hua, I am Mu Lan. Like Bai Yuexin, I am also an Elder of the Sky Serpent Mansion."
"Ha ha, so it's Elder Mu Lan," Xiao Hua said with a warm smile as he returned the greeting with a cupped fist. "I've heard of you and the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor from an old acquaintance of mine. It's an honor to meet you."
He was referring to a conversation he once had with Yao Chen. After a celebration thrown by his three sworn siblings—which ended with them drunkenly passed out—Xiao Hua and Yao Chen had sat down to talk. During their discussion, Yao Chen had mentioned sensing Mu Lan's presence in Rock Desert City.
From Yao Chen's words, Xiao Hua easily guessed that Mu Lan and the others were searching for Qing Lin. However, over the past few months, Qing Lin had always stayed close to him and the Little Fairy Doctor.
The small valley where they resided was protected by a concealment array that masked their auras, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to locate them.
Occasionally, Qing Lin would leave the valley to train, and during those times, she would sometimes activate her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
It must have been during one of those outings—when she encountered a snake-type Magical Beast—that her unique presence was detected. The distinct aura of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils likely revealed her location.
Mu Lan raised an eyebrow at Xiao Hua's mention of an "acquaintance." She recalled sensing someone nearby while she was in the Tager Desert.
It wasn't often that she brought Bai Ya, the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor, along with her, as that powerful serpent constantly demanded substantial rewards in exchange for his assistance.
"The reason we are here is that we detected a unique presence that is extremely important to our faction…" Though her curiosity about Xiao Hua's acquaintance lingered, Mu Lan decided to get straight to the point.
"Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, right?" Xiao Hua spoke calmly, his voice breaking the tension. He could clearly sense their hesitation and decided there was no need to hide the truth any longer.
Mu Lan and the others stiffened, their expressions shifting in surprise. Their hearts trembled slightly as they looked at the young man before them—handsome, composed, and with eyes of mismatched colors that radiated an unfathomable depth.
After a brief pause, Mu Lan took a deep breath and cupped her hands respectfully. "Young Master, may we request your permission to bring the young lady to our humble Sky Serpent Mansion?"
As she spoke, her gaze swept over the group aboard the flying boat. All were young women, but her sharp senses allowed her to distinguish their unique auras.
The Little Fairy Doctor's presence was thick with deadly poison and tinged with fiery intensity. Zi Yan's aura was unique as well, but clearly that of a powerful Magical Beast. Only Qing Lin emitted a cold, Yin energy—one that could only belong to someone with a deep connection to snake-type Magical Beasts.
It was from this careful observation that Mu Lan accurately deduced Qing Lin to be the one who possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
Xiao Hua crossed his arms, falling into deep thought. The atmosphere around the boat grew tense and silent, as everyone waited for his decision.
"Sister, can Qing Lin fully utilize the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?" He asked in his spiritual sea, directing his question to Lady Azure.
"Unfortunately, I lack the ability to help her fully awaken or control them," Lady Azure replied with a faint smile. "I only know the basics of those eyes and never took the time to delve deeper. Besides, those who possess the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils are unable to become alchemists, so I didn't prioritize them in the past…"
Her tone carried a trace of helplessness and resignation, acknowledging her limitations.
"I see…" Xiao Hua murmured inwardly, then raised his gaze and turned to Qing Lin. He didn't want to make the decision on her behalf.
"What do you think, Qing Lin?"
"Eh?" Qing Lin's body stiffened slightly, caught off guard. She hadn't expected him to suddenly ask for her opinion, and a faint trace of nervousness flickered across her face.
"I wanted to hear your opinion before deciding everything." Xiao Hua softly smiles as he knew the bashful nature of the little girl.
"That's…" Qing Lin hesitated, her lips slightly parted as she struggled to find the right words. Her mind wandered to the battles Xiao Hua had fought before—fierce, overwhelming clashes that shook the very air with destructive energy.
She didn't fully understand the exact level of power those enemies wielded, but even from a distance, the immense pressure left a lasting impression. It was clear they were formidable—far beyond anything she had faced.
From Xiao Hua's subtle words and actions, she could sense that the forces behind those enemies were terrifyingly powerful—so much so that he had left the Jia Ma Empire and distanced himself from his clan to shield them from harm.
She also recalled what Lady Azure had once told her. "If someone capable of teaching you how to truly harness the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils appears, you mustn't hesitate to accept it. I have to admit that my own understanding of those eyes was limited, and lacked the ability to help you unlock their full potential."
After a brief moment of inner struggle, Qing Lin lifted her head. A resolute expression—one rarely seen on her usually shy and gentle face—surfaced, surprising everyone who knew her timid nature.
"Young Master… can they make me stronger?" she asked earnestly.
Though a part of her longed to stay at Xiao Hua's side, Qing Lin had made up her mind. If mastering the power of her unique eyes meant she could one day fight alongside him and protect him in return, then she was willing to take this path—no matter how difficult it might be.
Xiao Hua didn't respond immediately. Instead, his gaze shifted to Mu Lan and the others, silently waiting for their response.
Understanding the meaning behind his look, Mu Lan stepped forward. She turned to Qing Lin and, with a soft motion, lowered her mask to reveal a gentle and graceful smile on her beautiful face.
"That is a promise we are willing to uphold," she said warmly. "The Sky Serpent Mansion will raise you as our next leader—our sole successor. Naturally, the treatment you will receive shall be nothing short of exceptional. We will care for you in every way possible and teach you all of our secret techniques, including the complete method to master the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils."
To Mu Lan and the Sky Serpent Mansion, Qing Lin was an extremely precious person. For her, they were even willing to offend powerful forces across the northwestern region if it meant ensuring her safety and future.
Of course, the young man standing before them—Xiao Hua—was a different matter altogether. Even so, they were prepared to give up everything just for the chance that he would allow her to follow them to their Sky Serpent Mansion.
After hearing that they possessed a method to cultivate the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, Qing Lin's expression flickered slightly before settling into calm determination.
"Young Master Xiao Hua, I will go with them," Qing Lin said firmly. Her eyes held not even a hint of hesitation or timidity.
Upon hearing her decision, Mu Lan and Bai Yuexin smiled, their expressions visibly brightening. Even Bai Ya let out a quiet sigh of relief, thankful that the situation hadn't turned tense or awkward.
Xiao Hua nodded silently and waved his hand. A gentle ripple of air formed beneath Qing Lin, lifting her slowly into the air and bringing her toward him with careful precision. A soft flicker appeared, and a storage ring emerged from the Mysterious Heaven Ring.
"I know you already have a storage ring," Xiao Hua said, placing it in her hand, "but this one contains a few more medicinal pills and treasures that can protect or assist you if needed."
"Thank you, Young Master Xiao Hua," Qing Lin replied, accepting the ring with a warm smile tinged by a trace of sadness and loneliness.
"It's nothing. Just make sure to take care of yourself." Xiao Hua gently patted her head, his voice soft.
Qing Lin savored the warmth of Xiao Hua's touch and the gentle care in his gesture—one last moment of comfort before their parting. She turned toward Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, who flew over with sorrowful, reluctant expressions.
"Thank you, Sister Little Fairy Doctor. Thank you, Sister Zi Yan," Qing Lin said sincerely.
"Take care of yourself," Little Fairy Doctor replied, her voice soft. Though she had much more she wanted to say, she swallowed her words and simply rubbed Qing Lin's head with tender affection.
"If you ever feel lonely, send a few letters to us at Jia Nan Academy," Zi Yan added. Her face was clouded with bitterness and reluctance, her usual cheer dimmed.
"I will, Sister Little Fairy Doctor. Sister Zi Yan." Qing Lin nodded, smiling through the heaviness in her chest.
Since the day she was born, no one had treated her like family the way these people did—not just Xiao Hua and the girls, but even Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue.
Xiao Hua let out a quiet sigh, then raised his hand gently. A breeze of energy carried Qing Lin through the air, placing her beside Mu Lan and Bai Yuexin, who received her with care.
The two Elders cupped their hands respectfully, expressing their gratitude and solemnly promising to protect her. With that, they turned and departed, their figures fading into the distance.
"Don't worry. We'll see her again," Xiao Hua said softly as he turned to Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan. He could see the sadness in their eyes, lingering like a shadow.
With a gentle smile, he rubbed their heads reassuringly before guiding them out of the Magic Beast Mountain Range, heading back toward Jia Nan Academy.
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