"What? The Wind-Lightning Pavilion attacked Brother Ming Cheng!?" Zi Yan abruptly stood up, her voice echoing with fury. Without delay, she seized her communication jade and channeled her Dou Qi into it.
A stream of light emerged from the jade, and a message sent by Xin Yu swiftly entered her mind.
"Lei Zun-zhe, the Head of the Wind-Lightning Pavilion, joined forces with another powerful Dou Zun to launch a surprise assault on Ming Cheng. Although both sides suffered casualties, Lei Zun-zhe and his ally paid a heavier price."
"Yet, unwilling to retreat, Lei Zun-zhe called two eighth-ranked Magical Beasts for assistance and launched another wave of attacks against Ming Cheng."
"Fortunately, with the timely arrival of Li Mei and me, the battle ended once more with severe losses on Lei Zun-zhe's side. However… Ming Cheng sustained a grave injury—the opposing Dou Zun self-detonated just as Ming Cheng was about to strike the final blow."
"Given Ming Cheng's condition, we withdrew to the Stormcoil Mountain Range to heal his injuries. His condition has been stabilized and has recovered slightly. But under Lei Zun-zhe's orders, the Wind-Lightning Pavilion has pursued us relentlessly and now has the three of us trapped within these mountains."
Zi Yan clenched her fists as a cold light flashed in her eyes. "Those bastards…" she muttered under her breath, her tone laced with killing intent. Never did she imagine such calamity would strike while they basked in a moment of peace.
Cai Lin and the Little Fairy Doctor's gazes turned chilling, a frosty killing intent flickering within their eyes. Though they had never met Xiao Hua's sworn brothers and sisters, they were neither distant nor cold when Xiao Hua had spoken of his deep bond with them. On the contrary, they had extended warm and sincere greetings through Xiao Hua, accepting them without reservation.
Thus, upon reading the message, righteous indignation welled within their hearts. Even so, they did not lose control. Instead, they focused their minds and calmly restrained Xiao Hua and Zi Yan, allowing a proper discussion to unfold regarding their next move.
Only after their emotions had settled did Xiao Hua and Zi Yan reveal the worry and unease that weighed heavily upon them.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Hua slowly exhaled and began to speak, his voice deep and composed.
"Though the news may seem grave at first glance, it isn't as dire as it appears. Brother Ming Cheng's injuries have been stabilized. While he may not be at his peak, he still has the strength to stand against an elite Dou Zun."
Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin nodded in silent agreement, while Zi Yan let out a soft sigh of relief. A faint weight lifted from her heart at Xiao Hua's reassurance.
"Furthermore," Xiao Hua continued, "Sister Xin Yu mentioned they were initially pursued, but that has now changed—they are trapped. This suggests that their precise location has yet to be discovered. Rather than being directly targeted, they're currently encircled within the Stormcoil Mountain Range and unable to leave."
"If I remember correctly, Sister Mei Ling once mentioned the Stormcoil Mountain Range in her message through the communication jade," Zi Yan said, arms crossed as she sank into deep thought.
"Apparently, even a Dou Zun would need several months to traverse it. The terrain within is plagued by violent weather and a fiercely hostile environment."
"That being the case," Xiao Hua nodded, a faint smile of relief surfacing on his lips, "it will take even longer for their enemies to pinpoint their exact location."
"In the meantime, we should try to obtain a detailed map of the Stormcoil Mountain Range," the Little Fairy Doctor spoke softly, her tone calm and composed.
"If I recall, Han Yue's Han Clan resides in the northern region of the Central Plains, while Liu Qing's Liu Clan is based in the Middle Region," Cai Lin added thoughtfully, gently rubbing her snow-white chin. "Perhaps… we can ask them for assistance?"
Xiao Hua and the Little Fairy Doctor both nodded in agreement. However, Han Yue was currently in closed-door cultivation, making it impossible to contact her. As for Liu Qing, Xiao Hua was aware that he was presently at the Fighting Arena. Without delay, he rose to his feet and headed there at once.
…
"So this is the map of the Stormcoil Mountain Range…" Xiao Hua murmured as his gaze fell upon the beautifully crafted scroll. He unrolled it carefully and studied its contents in silence.
Though the map was incomplete, it was understandable—very few dared to venture into the Stormcoil Mountain Range due to its perilous nature. Most cultivators opted to use the nearby spatial wormhole to safely bypass the region altogether.
Even so, Xiao Hua found himself impressed. Despite its limitations, the map was fairly detailed and carefully annotated. With a nod of satisfaction, he stored the scroll into his storage ring and made his way back to the wooden cabin.
"Now that everything is settled, how about we discuss something important?"
Just as Xiao Hua returned to the back garden, a refined and graceful voice echoed softly through the air. In the next instant, two radiant lights emerged from within his body, gradually revealing the elegant forms of Lady Azure and Xue Yue.
"Sister Azure… Sister Xue Yue?" Xiao Hua's brows knit together slightly, his expression tinged with confusion at their sudden appearance.
"How about we invite the little snake queen to join us?" Lady Azure suggested with a mysterious smile. Then, as if sensing something, she tilted her head slightly. "Oh? It seems we won't need to wait."
She turned her gaze, and sure enough, two graceful figures and a lively little dragon girl were approaching with smiles on their faces. However, the moment they noticed Lady Azure's cryptic smile, the expressions of all three shifted into puzzled ones.
"What's going on?" Zi Yan asked, tilting her adorable little head as she looked between Xiao Hua, Lady Azure, and Xue Yue with a curious stare.
"It's nothing serious," Lady Azure said, her strange smile deepening. "But since we'll be heading to the Central Plains soon, I must inform you of something—before this child ends up drowning in regret for his ignorance."
Xue Yue let out a soft sigh and gently rubbed her temple, as if already anticipating the chaos to come.
"This matter concerns your charming little queen," Lady Azure added, her voice laced with amusement and a hint of mischief. A playful smile tugged at her lips as she looked at Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua and the others grew even more puzzled. None of them could understand why he would come to deeply regret anything related to Cai Lin—at least, not without context.
But before any of them could voice their confusion, Lady Azure suddenly raised her voice in a delighted, almost celebratory tone.
"You may have failed to notice, but I detected a faint trace of life within your majestic serpent queen's womb. Congratulations, child. Your future wife is pregnant!"
"…"
The back garden fell into complete silence. The atmosphere seemed to freeze in place, as though time itself had stopped.
Xiao Hua, Cai Lin, the Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan stood rooted to the spot, stunned beyond belief—each of them unable to form a single coherent thought, as if a thunderclap had just exploded within their minds…
The words spoken by Lady Azure were simply too shocking. No matter how composed they usually were, all of them had been struck into a dazed silence.
'Pregnant? Truly…?'
Xiao Hua's gaze slowly shifted toward Cai Lin—more precisely, toward her lower abdomen. His eyes lingered there, filled with disbelief as countless thoughts surged through his mind.
In the story of Battle Through the Heavens, Cai Lin had also become pregnant after just one encounter—her first. And now, the same had happened to him. With the same woman, no less...
"How… how did I get Cai'er pregnant on the first time?" Xiao Hua couldn't help but mused in stunned silence. "Granted, we did go through multiple rounds… but even so, how could just one session result in this…?"
Naturally, Cai Lin's reaction was no better than Xiao Hua's. The usual majestic coldness that adorned her expression had completely vanished. Her soft, red lips parted slightly, and a faint pulse trembled along her slender neck. Yet, her heart was in such turmoil that not a single word could leave her mouth.
A woman like her—one who wouldn't so much as blink while engaged in life-and-death combat—was now like a lost, panicked little girl. When faced with matters of the heart… she truly didn't know how to respond.
"Just in case you're thinking of denying it, my spiritual sense is not mistaken," Lady Azure said with a playful blink, clearly amused by their flustered reactions. "I've checked more than once."
After a long moment, Xiao Hua and Cai Lin gradually began to recover from their stupor. Their gazes met, and wry smiles tugged at the corners of their lips. Though they tried to speak, neither could find the right words.
Moreover, both knew well how exceptionally sharp Lady Azure's spiritual sense was. There was no room for doubt—Cai Lin was indeed pregnant.
"As you both know, the Snake-People are quite different from ordinary humans," Lady Azure continued, refusing to let the two find even a moment of peace. "What's more, this little serpent queen has already evolved into the Heavenly Swallowing Python—an ancient species. Naturally, her pregnancy will differ from the norm. It wouldn't be strange if she carried the child for a year… or even several."
Then, with a soft, amused laugh, she added, "And once your Snake-People tribe learns of this… I doubt they'll remain silent. They'll surely hold a grand banquet in celebration. After all, they'll once again have a descendant born of the Medusa bloodline."
Xiao Hua and Cai Lin both shook their heads with quiet resignation, choosing to ignore Lady Azure's teasing smile and amused laughter.
"Since Sister Azure has already spoken with such certainty…" Xiao Hua stepped forward and gently embraced Cai Lin. His voice softened with affection as he whispered, "Cai'er, from now on, you must be especially careful."
He had no intention of avoiding his responsibilities. As the father, he accepted everything that came with it. However, he couldn't deny the nervousness welling up inside him—this was, after all, his first time becoming a father, even in this second life.
"I understand," Cai Lin replied with a faint nod, subtly leaning into his chest. Her voice was calm, yet tinged with a gentle warmth. "However, you need not worry too much. For those who carry the Medusa Bloodline, a pregnancy lasting three to five years is not uncommon."
"Even so," Xiao Hua said with a soft chuckle, his hand tenderly caressing her back, "there's no harm in being cautious. After all, we can't risk anything happening to our beloved child, can we?"
Cai Lin didn't speak further—she only gave another quiet nod, her expression serene yet a clear joy could be seen.
"Congratulations, Sister Cai Lin," the Little Fairy Doctor said warmly, clapping her hands together as her smile bloomed with joy. "I never would've expected you to be pregnant… but it's truly wonderful news."
"It's shocking, but in the best way," Zi Yan added with a bright grin, nodding repeatedly. She rushed forward, clasped Cai Lin's hands in her own, and beamed. "Congratulations, Sister Cai Lin! I hope the child grows up strong and healthy!"
"Thank you, Sister Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan." Cai Lin smiled gently, her eyes shining with quiet joy. Though she slightly pulled away, she still remained nestled within Xiao Hua's embrace as she spoke, her voice tinged with heartfelt warmth at their congratulatory words.
"Anyway, it's true that I would have deeply regretted not knowing about this before departing for the Central Plains," Xiao Hua added with a faint wry smile. "After all, heading there unaware of the child's existence might've affected their future in unforeseen ways…"
As he spoke, he cast a sharp glance at Lady Azure, clearly displeased that she had chosen to deliver such important news in a teasing manner rather than as a sincere celebration.
Lady Azure merely shrugged her shoulders, letting Xiao Hua's glare slide off her as if it were nothing more than a passing breeze.
"I understand why you'd regret not knowing this," Zi Yan said, tilting her head slightly, "but… how would it affect the child's future?"
Xiao Hua's expression softened as he looked at Cai Lin and explained gently, "It's because of the exceptionally powerful Medusa bloodline flowing within Cai'er."
He paused for a breath and brought his gaze to Zi Yan, then continued, "Due to its intensity, the child will require a vast number of rare elixirs and nourishment even while still in the womb. By feeding the child with high-quality resources during the pregnancy, its strength after birth will be far superior to ordinary descendants. With the right care, its potential could become truly terrifying."
Cai Lin gave a quiet nod, acknowledging the information—something known only to her and the elders of her tribe. She wasn't surprised that Xiao Hua had learned of it as well, and thus, her expression remained calm.
Xiao Hua's eyes shimmered with growing excitement. "Since this child carries my blood, I will spare no effort to ensure they are born with unmatched potential and raised under the most optimal conditions!"
"I'll use a Tier 9 Treasure Pill to elevate their bloodline, allowing them to possess extraordinary talent and a fearsome physique from birth!" he declared, his gaze alight with fervor, as though an unquenchable flame had been lit in his heart.
Seeing that fire in his eyes, a gentleness softened the usually cold contours of Cai Lin's face. The excitement he showed while speaking of their unborn child stirred something deep within her—it was proof, undeniable and pure, of the love they now shared.
She could already tell… once this child was born, they would become more precious to her than even her own life. And seeing Xiao Hua's sincere determination to cherish and protect the child brought her quiet joy.
"Don't push yourself too hard…" she whispered gently. Still within his arms, she slowly stepped back and looked up at him with a helpless smile, trying to calm the passionate man before her.
"I can't remain idle. I must restore my condition to its peak and begin refining the pill for our child!" Xiao Hua exclaimed, his eyes burning with resolve. Without wasting a moment, he turned and left the wooden house, fully intending to rest and recover both body and spirit in preparation for crafting another precious medicinal pill.
Watching his departing figure, Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan exchanged glances and smiled helplessly at his overflowing enthusiasm. Still, a sense of relief quietly bloomed in their hearts—Xiao Hua had not only accepted his role as a father, but embraced it with the heart of a true man.
"Sister Fairy Doctor, may the heavens bless you with his child as well," Cai Lin said softly, her tone carrying heartfelt sincerity as she offered a quiet prayer for Little Fairy Doctor's happiness.
A deep flush spread across Little Fairy Doctor's cheeks, and she lowered her gaze in embarrassment. Her voice was but a whisper, barely audible to Cai Lin and Zi Yan. "That… we haven't done it yet, Sister Cai Lin…"
"…What?"
"After all the time you and Xiao Hua have spent together…?"
Both Cai Lin and Zi Yan blinked in disbelief. They found it hard to imagine—especially considering the warmth and gentleness Xiao Hua always showed Little Fairy Doctor. His affection was genuine and ever-present, yet… they had not crossed that final step?
"That is simply because I asked her not to," Lady Azure interjected with a calm smile.
"Lady Azure...you stopped them?" Cai Lin turned toward her with a puzzled expression. "Why would you prevent them from crossing that threshold?"
Lady Azure's smile lingered, but a faint seriousness flickered in her eyes as she responded gently, "Because her physique is no ordinary one. The Netherflame Calamity Body she possesses is far more potent than it appears on the surface. And when combined with the Abyssal Calamity Ghostflame—a flame that can contend the top eight Heavenly Flames—her current condition is simply not suited for childbearing."
"If she were to conceive in her current state, not only would the child's life be at risk, but so would hers," Lady Azure continued, her tone laced with quiet gravity. "Once she steps into the Dou Sheng realm, both her unique body and the Abyssal Calamity Ghostflame will stabilize. Only then will it be safe for her to carry a child without danger."
Cai Lin and Zi Yan both nodded in understanding. They now realized Lady Azure's intervention wasn't out of meddling, but out of deep concern for Little Fairy Doctor's safety. Considering how Xiao Hua had managed to impregnate Cai Lin after a single union, it was only natural to exercise caution and avoid placing Little Fairy Doctor in peril.
'Even so, Sister Fairy Doctor is still bound by the chains of her special physique…'
Cai Lin sighed inwardly, a trace of sorrow rising in her heart as she reflected on how unfortunate Little Fairy Doctor's fate had been. From the Woeful Poison Body to its evolution into the Netherflame Calamity Body—it was a path marked by hardship and danger.
"Dou Sheng… That's still a long way off," Zi Yan murmured softly, a hint of sadness flickering in her voice upon hearing the requirement.
"Perhaps not, Zi Yan." Cai Lin gently stroked the young girl's head, a faint smile curving her lips. "With Xiao Hua's resources and guidance, Sister Fairy Doctor may reach Dou Sheng far sooner than expected."
"That's true. With Xiao Hua's pill refinement, ascending to Dou Sheng shouldn't be difficult at all." Zi Yan's expression brightened, her earlier gloom fading away. Yet after a moment, she added in a soft whisper, "Though knowing him… we'll probably still have to focus on building a solid foundation first."
Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin heard her quiet remark clearly and exchanged knowing glances. A soft, amused giggle escaped their lips. Indeed, Xiao Hua had never been one to seek quick gains—whether in battle, alchemy, or cultivation. He always pursued a path grounded in firm foundations and deep tempering, ensuring strength that would not waver.
"Anyway, I'll be taking my leave and heading over to that child. He's been eager to show me the pill he recently refined," Lady Azure said with a soft sigh, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation.
"Isn't it simply because he's excited to share his steady, yet rapid improvement in pill refinement with you, Sister?" Xue Yue, who had remained silent until now, finally parted her delicate lips. Her voice, though calm and cool, carried a subtle warmth and tease.
Lady Azure's face stiffened at Xue Yue's words. A rare flush of embarrassment coloured her otherwise composed expression. She shot Xue Yue a sharp glare, only to quickly retract it with a light snort before vanishing from the back garden in a ripple of energy.
Xue Yue merely shook her head, then gave a gentle nod to Cai Lin and the others before she too disappeared without a sound.
Left behind, Cai Lin, Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan exchanged glances before letting out soft, helpless chuckles. They returned to the bamboo pavilion, where the tea had already grown slightly cold.
After such a turbulent wave of emotions, a moment of quiet repose was all they desired.
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