"Huuu…"
A long breath slipped from Xiao Hua's lips, as the tight knot in his chest slowly unraveled. The storm in his heart had passed, leaving behind a tranquil calm, like a breeze whispering through scorched stone—even in this world of seething magma.
His gaze lifted toward the distant sphere, eyes flickering with curiosity and quiet wonder. With a faint curl of his fingers, a gentle suction stirred the air. The orb—Boundless World Seal—quivered slightly before gliding into his palm, drawn by an unseen force. Within it, sealed in slumber, was the Fallen Heart Flame.
The sphere rested neatly against his hand, only slightly larger than his palm, its surface smooth and faintly translucent. Wisps of silvery-blue mist swirled within, laced with glittering lights and faint ripples of arcane energy, as if the stars themselves were caught in a gentle tide.
Mysterious sigils and ancient lines meandered across the orb's surface, glowing softly with a rhythm like breathing. Through its crystal-like body, one could glimpse a sea of churning magma—rivers of red, orange, and molten gold burning in an eternal dance.
But what truly captivated the eye was the shape of a serpentine shadow weaving through the molten sea—an invisible serpent, gliding with eerie grace. It seemed alive, sentient... yet it was no mere beast.
It was a treasure birthed from heaven and earth itself—one of the twenty-one Heavenly Flames. Ranked fourteenth among them, this was the Fallen Heart Flame, a force of destruction, bound within the seal and now resting quietly in Xiao Hua's hand.
"So, this is the Boundless World Seal, huh…" Xiao Hua murmured, his voice soft as drifting mist. A faint gleam of astonishment danced in his eyes, mingled with quiet amusement.
"You're the one who created it. Why are you surprised?"
Lady Azure drifted through the air, landing gracefully at his side. Her delicate brows arched slightly, puzzled by the wonder in his gaze.
"I may have crafted it," Xiao Hua replied with a faint smile, "but at the time… I was living through a million lifetimes in a single breath. I couldn't be certain if it would function properly in reality."
"It worked. That's all that matters," Lady Azure said with a small shake of her head, her lips curving into a knowing smile. "Anyway, I'll be resting now. Even if I didn't unleash my full strength, it was no small effort to subdue that serpent without harming it."
"Rest well, Sister Azure," Xiao Hua said gently, warmth in his eyes.
Lady Azure's form shimmered, her body dissolving into a soft, radiant light. Like a wisp of moonlight, she drifted toward him and vanished into his body, returning to slumber in the depths of his spiritual sea.
Turning his gaze toward the six Lightning Beasts that stood nearby, Xiao Hua offered them a quiet smile. "You too—rest. Thank you for standing guard… and for your aid in sealing the Fallen Heart Flame."
The six Lightning Beasts gave silent nods, then, like flickering shadows of thunderclouds, they too dissolved into light and returned to his body, vanishing one by one into stillness.
After Lady Azure and the Lightning Beasts returned to his body, the world of magma fell into silence—still and brooding, like a slumbering beast beneath the earth.
Xiao Hua stretched lazily, a low, contented hum slipping from his lips as the tension melted from his limbs.
Yet, as he moved, a faint stir brushed against his arm. Tilting his head slightly, curiosity flickered in his eyes. He already knew the source of the movement—the Heaven Swallowing Python coiled gently around him—but he was puzzled by its intent.
The white serpent slithered down his arm, lifting its delicate head to gaze at him. Within its bewitching, silver-hued eyes danced a light of concern, soft and strangely endearing.
Xiao Hua let out a faint chuckle and reached out to stroke the snake's small, smooth head. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned several jade bottles from his storage ring. Uncorking them one by one, he allowed the snake to greedily devour the Amethyst Essence within.
Though the magma world brimmed with pure fire energy—an environment that should have delighted the Heaven Swallowing Python—it was far too dense, too violent. The fire energy here was like molten thorns, hard to refine and harder still to digest.
Even one as gluttonous as the white serpent would find it uncomfortable to absorb. To consume it recklessly would be courting a corrosive fire poison, a risk not worth taking.
That was why Xiao Hua had taken out the Amethyst Essence—so that the Heaven Swallowing Python could feast to its heart's content.
Yet even as the little serpent devoured the shimmering liquid with a gleeful smile, Xiao Hua's brow arched slightly. He watched in silence, still curious as to what this little one truly wanted.
Once its hunger was sated, the white snake abruptly froze. Its eyes shimmered, repeatedly changing from one colour to another.
A brilliant radiance burst forth from the serpent's body—seven colors intertwining and surging like waves of a divine rainbow. The tiny snake lashed its tail violently, and in a sudden flicker, a small figure shot out like a streak of light. It soared away from Xiao Hua's arm, halting midair just a short distance before him.
The Heaven Swallowing Python twisted and writhed beneath that dazzling glow, as if shedding a shell. And then, from within the kaleidoscopic brilliance, a figure began to emerge—a woman whose very presence exuded both noble grace and a dangerous, seductive charm.
She stepped forth slowly, draped in an ornate crimson-red dress that hugged her flawless form. Golden floral patterns adorned the fabric, blooming across her figure like fire-kissed blossoms. A bold, plunging neckline revealed her poise and confidence, while a high slit along one leg added a touch of sensual flair to her otherwise regal demeanor.
Her long black hair flowed like silk in the wind, partially gathered by an intricate golden headpiece that gleamed like a crown. Gold adorned her further—an elegant choker, pendant earrings, and elaborate arm cuffs that shimmered with an imperial brilliance.
Bare shoulders and fitted sleeves completed her ensemble, a perfect harmony of refinement and daring, like a rose wrapped in velvet flame.
"Queen Medusa? This… is truly unexpected." Xiao Hua's brows furrowed slightly, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes as he looked upon her sudden appearance.
Before him, the queen's usual cold and distant expression softened ever so faintly. The sharpness in her eyes dimmed as she gazed silently at his face, her voice calm as a still lake.
"I have something to discuss. That is all."
"Discuss?"
Xiao Hua's expression shifted subtly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. He quickly understood—this wasn't something she wished to speak of before Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan. So, without pressing further, he waited patiently for her to continue.
"I wish to use the Glazed Soul Flame method that Lady Azure once spoke of," she said, her tone still gentle, yet her gaze grew sharp—probing him, measuring his reaction like a serpent waiting to strike.
"Are you insane…?"
The words slipped from Xiao Hua's lips before he could stop them, his eyes flying wide with disbelief. In his shock, he completely missed the subtle glint in Queen Medusa's eyes.
After all, what she had just said...was something he never expected to hear from her—not from a proud and untouchable queen like her. Not even in the face of death.
More than disbelief, a trace of unease stirred within his heart.
This method… it was not something he could accept so easily. He was no longer alone. Xun Er, Ya Fei—those two stood by his side, their trust a light he could not afford to extinguish. There were lines he had sworn never to cross. Betrayal of that trust… was one of them.
Xiao Yan might be pardoned, if only slightly, for he had not known the consequences of the merging two Heavenly Flames.
But Xiao Hua did. He understood the sequela all too well—and that knowledge made his hesitation run even deeper.
"I know it's been taking longer than expected, but please… bear with me a little more."
Xiao Hua sighed softly, rubbing his temple with a trace of frustration and disbelief. A quiet worry stirred in his heart—had she grown impatient? Had repeated failures to gather the ingredients pushed her into desperation?
Queen Medusa didn't answer right away. Instead, a faint sense of satisfaction stirred within her heart. Her earlier words had been a test—a gentle probe to glimpse Xiao Hua's true nature. And nothing reveals more than a moment shared in solitude.
Had Xiao Hua responded with hesitation, had his gaze betrayed any trace of hidden desire, she would have turned away without a second thought.
She had seen too many men in her lifetime. Some arrogant and prideful, others masked in schemes and sweet words, all hiding twisted motives behind respectful masks. Most were drawn to her beauty, their lust clinging to her like a stench, even as they trembled under her gaze.
But him… he was different.
'That harsh tone… it carried no hunger, no possessiveness. Only concern. Pure, unguarded worry—for me,' she thought quietly.
There was no heat in his eyes. No selfish longing. Just a raw, sincere care that struck her deeper than any sweet words could.
And in that moment, the faint crack that had long existed in the cold fortress of her heart—a crack formed in that small valley, shaped by his actions and his kindness to her people—began to widen. Not with pain… but with a strange, unfamiliar warmth.
A quiet certainty bloomed within her: This man… would not treat her as a prize to be claimed.
A faint, gentle smile—soft as moonlight—touched Queen Medusa's lips, brimming with warmth and quiet affection. Yet, just as quickly, she masked it, allowing not even a trace to linger. Her gaze fell upon the young man before her, sweeping over him from head to toe in silence.
His appearance was striking—otherworldly, even. A face sculpted by the heavens, paired with a noble bearing that exuded quiet majesty. His strength was vast and tyrannical, like a storm barely restrained, while his talent… it knew no bounds, limitless as the sea beneath the stars.
And yet, for all that he possessed—power, appearance, potential beyond measure—he never carried himself with arrogance.
In a world where such a youth would often tread with pride and disdain, Xiao Hua instead remained calm and courteous. He treated others with respect, regardless of their status or strength.
In truth, it often seemed as though he cared little for fame or recognition. As if all his accomplishments were nothing remarkable—just passing moments on a road he calmly walked, never needing to boast, never looking back.
He remained unwavering in his loyalty to Xun Er and Ya Fei, never once seeking the company of other women, even knowing full well that with but a word, many would throw themselves at him. And though Queen Medusa could tell—clearly—that he harboured deep affection for Little Fairy Doctor, it was not born of lust.
No… what bloomed in his heart was something pure.
Love, untainted. Quiet, enduring, and sincere.
This truth extended to Ya Fei and the Little Fairy Doctor as well. They had fallen not for his appearance, strength, status, or unmatched talent—but for the the warmth of his character.
For Xiao Hua was a man who honored his promises, no matter how absurd they seemed. Even if a vow placed him at death's doorstep, he would walk forward without hesitation, never faltering.
He had tirelessly searched for the rare ingredients needed to refine the pill that could help her. Each time he returned empty-handed, disappointment shadowed his eyes—yet he never gave up.
It was precisely because of this—because she had seen this side of him—that Queen Medusa found herself willing to accept the Glazed Soul Flame method. A method she had once rejected with scorn, now became her path forward: a way to merge her spirit with the Heaven Swallowing Python that had long threatened to consume her.
All because of one truth she could no longer ignore.
She had come to understand the emotion that had quietly taken root in her heart—an emotion she had once believed herself incapable of.
Though her time with him was brief compared to Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, it had been enough.
She, too, had fallen hopelessly in love with this young man.
"I understand your concern… but I don't mind," Queen Medusa said softly, her voice as gentle as moonlight upon still water.
According to Lady Azure, the Glazed Soul Flame method required a delicate and perilous process: the careful refinement of her spirit alongside the Heaven Swallowing Python's, guiding both toward fusion.
The merging would only truly begin when they reached the edge between life and death—a razor-thin threshold where the flames must neither burn too fiercely nor too weakly. Only at that point, with utmost precision, could their spirits unite through the refinement and merging of the Glazed Soul Flame.
But… there was a troublesome consequence.
The method would inflict a dangerous backlash upon Xiao Hua—a sequela that stirred the Yang energy within him into a blazing frenzy, uncontrollable and wild. In that state, he would be unable to suppress or dispel it on his own.
He would descend into madness, driven purely by instinct—his body frantically seeking a woman to absorb and pacify the nefarious Yang fire surging uncontrollably through his veins.
And if this method were to be used… then he and Queen Medusa would be alone.
In that moment, there would be no one else. No escape. No second path.
There would be only one possible target for the berserk Xiao Hua—and to act upon it would mean crossing the very line with her.
That was why, after Lady Azure had explained everything, silence had fallen among them. No one dared mention the method again. For with Xiao Hua's unyielding principles and love—and Queen Medusa's pride and imperial dignity—they all knew neither would accept such a method.
And that, too, was why Lady Azure had once playfully teased the two of them about it… though her jest had ended in disaster.
Seeing the flicker of hesitation within Xiao Hua's eyes, a soft smile blossomed upon her lips—radiant, yet tinged with tenderness. Her gaze, warm and serene like a tranquil spring under moonlight, lingered upon him with quiet understanding.
She could see it clearly—the reluctance in his heart, the storm of worry behind his calm demeanor. Even now, he thought of her, fearing that she moved forward only from desperation.
So, with a voice as gentle as the evening breeze, she chose to speak—to ease his concern and dissolve the doubt nestled in his heart.
"Though our time together may be brief," she began, her tone like a lullaby drawn from the soul, "I've come to understand your heart more clearly. I've seen how tirelessly you've wandered countless part of Jia Ma Empire, your every step shadowed by the desire to ease my burden. You sought the medicine that could heal me—not for obligation, but out of true care."
Her eyes shimmered like starlight upon calm waters as her voice deepened with quiet emotion.
"From the vast Magic Beast Mountain Range to the Alchemist Association's hidden vaults, to the treasuries of the Imperial Family and the Four Great Clans… You even braved the Misty Cloud Sect's inner sanctum, combed through the cities of the Jia Ma Empire—great and small—only to be met again and again with bitter disappointment."
She paused, her eyes gleaming with quiet admiration.
"I will not lie… I was disheartened too, that we found nothing. But what pained me more was not the failure—it was watching you bear such sorrow for my sake. You gave so much… and yet, you never faltered. That steadfast devotion, that quiet disappointment hidden behind your calm exterior… became the reason I chose this method."
"I have reached a decision," she said softly, her eyes never leaving his. "Even if my days stretch short or long… I wish to remain beside you. Whether you choose to return this affection, or let it drift away like a dream... even so, may I know your heart?"
As her final words fell like dew upon morning petals, Queen Medusa smiled—a smile that carried the weight of longing and the freedom of choice. She lifted her slender hand, and with the gentlest of gestures, parted the strands of his hair that danced upon his brow, fingers tracing softly as if memorizing a fleeting moment destined to be eternal.
Though they stood in the heart of a world forged from molten flame—where searing heat danced across their skin and the deep, bubbling murmurs of magma echoed endlessly—all such noise faded into silence.
In that moment, the world no longer existed.
Xiao Hua and Queen Medusa stood facing one another, their gazes entwined like celestial threads drawn tight across lifetimes. From the instant she had finished speaking, their eyes had not once strayed. Everything else—the magma, the heat, the trembling ground—was but a distant hum beneath the weight of unspoken feelings.
Xiao Hua's heart stirred, swelling with an emotion that had become all too familiar to him. It was the same warmth he felt for Xun Er, that quiet admiration he held for Ya Fei, the gentle ache born from the Little Fairy Doctor, and perhaps… even a lingering longing for Yun Yun.
And now, standing before Queen Medusa, that emotion rose once more—fierce, undeniable, and real.
A bitter smile flickered at the corners of his lips.
He understood now, painfully so. He was not a virtuous man. Despite having a fiancée as perfect as Xun Er—peerless in beauty and boundless in devotion—his heart still wandered. To Ya Fei's brilliance, the Little Fairy Doctor's quiet gentleness, Yun Yun's graceful solitude… and now, to Queen Medusa's fierce and unwavering affection.
He lowered his gaze slightly, voice hoarse with honesty.
"You should know… I have—"
But before he could finish, Queen Medusa stepped closer, her voice flowing into the space between them like a tranquil yet unstoppable stream.
"A fiancée?" she interrupted gently, her eyes unreadable yet filled with light. "An older sister figure, whose every glance bewitches your soul? A companion whose kindness melts your walls, and a noble lady whose presence stands above the clouds?"
Her smile was neither mocking nor bitter, only calm—like the moon reflecting upon still waters.
"I know," she whispered, "Yet I do not care. After all, I understand the reason you feel attracted towards them.
"I also understand the feelings they hold for you," Queen Medusa said softly, her voice like a warm breeze brushing across his soul.
"You have done more than enough to win our hearts. This… is a silent understanding that only we—the women who have fallen for you and stay by your side—can share among ourselves. No one else could possibly comprehend it."
Xiao Hua's heart stirred, a trace of helplessness blooming within it. Never had he imagined that he would move the heart of this woman—this queen who once seemed carved from ice and flame, distant in her pride, untouchable in her regal grace.
And now, here she was, baring her heart with unshakable grace.
'Stop dawdling and accept it already, child. Watching you hesitate is far more agonizing than facing ten thousand tribulations!'
An exasperated voice echoed through his mind—Lady Azure's voice, warm and sharp as ever. Though she often guided him like an older sister, her tone now carried the familiar sting of impatience and frustration.
A helpless smile tugged at the corners of Xiao Hua's lips. He took a quiet breath, then stepped forward. His arms, steady and sincere, gently encircled Queen Medusa's slender waist—so delicate it felt almost boneless beneath his touch. She met his gaze, her usually sharp eyes glimmering with unspoken emotion.
Then, wordlessly, he leaned in and kissed her.
It was a kiss neither forceful nor timid, but brimming with tenderness—like moonlight brushing over lotus petals. Queen Medusa's breath hitched, then slowly, almost shyly, she returned his kiss. Embarrassment and sweetness danced across her face, her cheeks glowing faintly red as she let herself melt into his embrace.
But such closeness stirred a nefarious fire in him.
Xiao Hua felt a searing heat rise within his lower abdomen—a flame neither spiritual nor external. His hand, still resting at her waist, quivered with desire as her body's allure ignited something primal deep within him.
Just as he was about to lose himself in the moment, Queen Medusa abruptly pulled back, her face now burning brighter than the magma around them. She stared at him, eyes wide with a mix of panic and fluster, before coughing awkwardly and turning her face aside.
"I… I don't want to go further," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly. "Not now. I'm afraid… if we do, the Heaven Swallowing Python within me may seize control of my body."
Xiao Hua's expression froze mid-motion, caught somewhere between stunned silence and speechlessness. The reason for Queen Medusa's sudden retreat had struck him like a bolt of heavenly lightning—not painful, but utterly unexpected.
In the next moment, his face twisted into a slightly comedic expression, the atmosphere turning awkward in the most absurdly endearing way.
From deep within his soul realm, Lady Azure burst into laughter.
"Fufufu~ That's certainly one way to smother that wicked flame of yours," Lady Azure's voice rippled through his mind like silver bells chiming with mischief. "What a perfect way to extinguish passion—cool the fire and leave behind an awkward haze. Hah! How delightfully entertaining!"
Her laughter echoed with sheer amusement, full of unrestrained delight, as if she were watching her favorite drama unfold.
The corner of Xiao Hua's eye twitched ever so slightly.
Never in all his journeys had he found the little white snake hidden within Queen Medusa to be as irritating as he did now. Truly, the Heaven Swallowing Python is the bane of the mood.
With a sigh that held both resignation and a trace of inner turmoil, Xiao Hua reluctantly loosened his hold, his fingers slowly sliding away from the curve of her waist—a waist so soft and ethereal it felt like it had been carved from cloud mist and moonlight.
He feared that if he lingered even a moment longer, he might not be able to restrain the wild flame stirring in his veins.
Clearing his throat, he straightened his back and gently changed the subject.
"…Anyway, could you do me a favor?" he asked, his voice calm but with a faint undercurrent of warmth.
Lifting his hand, a Glazed Soul Flame blossomed upon his palm—its azure hue flowing like tranquil water, wrapping around his fingers in graceful arcs.
The flame danced silently, serene and elegant, as though responding to his shifting emotions with quiet understanding.
With a gentle flick of his fingers, the Glazed Soul Flame floated from Xiao Hua's palm, drifting like a will-o'-the-wisp through the still air before landing softly in Queen Medusa's outstretched hand.
Though puzzled, she did not question him. She simply accepted the flame and waited in quiet patience, her eyes fixed upon the young man before her.
"Tell the First Elder," Xiao Hua said calmly, "that I shall retrieve the infant Fallen Heart Flame hidden deep within the magma world. In the meantime… he may use this to nurture the students."
Queen Medusa's gaze flickered with understanding.
'So, he intends to repay Jia Nan Academy… for sealing away and taking the matured Fallen Heart Flame for himself.'
As for how he knew of the infant flame's existence—whether from Lady Azure, or through his connection with the true essence of the Fallen Heart Flame—she didn't need to ask. Xiao Hua was not someone to speak without confidence. In matters such as these, there was no need to question his insight… or his ability.
"Be careful," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern. "Though you are strong, the depths of this magma world hold secrets that even ancient beasts would fear to touch."
Xiao Hua offered a light smile and nodded. "Rest assured. I will not risk my life needlessly… not without proper protection."
Queen Medusa gave him one final look, then soared toward the exit, her silhouette vanishing amidst waves of heat and flickering light—taking the Glazed Soul Flame and the message with her.
Xiao Hua stood in silence, watching her disappear. Only when the last trace of her presence faded did he exhale a long, quiet sigh.
A weight lingered in his heart—one not born of danger, but of emotion. A tangle of feelings he could not yet name.
He needed to release it… to breathe, to center himself once more before he descended deeper into the abyss.
"…Let's deal with this first," he murmured, eyes narrowing. "Then we'll go retrieve the Fallen Heart Flame."
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