A few days later—
After subduing the Green Lotus Core Flame, Liu Xi's main objective in the Tager Desert had already been achieved. However, for the sake of obtaining the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Fragment Map, he returned once again to the depths of the desert, bringing Qing Lin along to search for the elusive Sand Datura.
The scorching sun blazed high in the sky, casting waves of heat upon the endless dunes. Yet the intense temperature could not affect Liu Xi in the slightest. Once he began circulating the Nine Nether Ghost Flame Technique, absorbing the external heat, a faint chill instead radiated from around his body.
At this moment, Liu Xi was soaring through the sky, one arm wrapped around Qing Lin's slender waist—soft and supple like a water serpent's. From time to time, he teased his lovely little maid who clung to him like a lazy sloth, their journey through the air quite leisurely.
It had been several days since they arrived in the western region of the Tager Desert. Here, the chances of encountering the Snake-People had increased significantly. From above, Liu Xi had seen many skirmishes—between Snake-People tribes, between tribes and human mercenaries—all battling over the scarce desert oases, water sources, and mineral deposits. Perhaps it was because these vital resources were so limited that both humans and Snake-People alike had grown fiercely combative and unyielding.
Liu Xi had no intention of causing unnecessary trouble. Fortunately, with his powerful Spiritual Power, he could easily avoid confrontation with any patrols. After all, deep within the Tager Desert were not only countless smaller Snake-People tribes but also eight great clans—each ruled by a Dou Wang and led by their queen, the Dou Huang Medusa.
He glanced at the weary Qing Lin in his arms and said with a smile, "According to the map, there's an oasis ahead. Let's rest there for a while."
Extended flight was effortless for a Dou Wang like Liu Xi, but for Qing Lin, whose cultivation was only at 2-Star Dou Zhi Qi, it was far more taxing.
With a sweep of his wings, Liu Xi increased his speed once more. Within minutes, amidst the endless sea of yellow sand, a patch of lush green finally appeared before them—bright and lively amidst the barren wasteland, a refreshing gem that delighted the eyes.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the oasis, Liu Xi carefully spread out his Spiritual Power. Sensing no presence of Snake-People, he safely retracted his Dou Qi wings and led Qing Lin inside.
Surrounded by trees and fresh greenery, Liu Xi felt invigorated. After so many days of lifeless dunes, the oasis' vibrant life felt almost intoxicating. Even Qing Lin's mood visibly lifted as she skipped lightly beside him.
They followed a shaded path through the woods until a crystal-clear lake came into view at the oasis' center, reflecting the sunlight like liquid jade.
After washing their faces and hands, Qing Lin's cheeks turned pink. She hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Young Master... can we stay here a little longer? I... I want to bathe."
Liu Xi chuckled. "Of course. Would you like me to step away for a while?"
Her face flushed crimson. "No need... ah! Young Master, you're awful!"
She covered her face with both hands and scampered a short distance away—not far enough to escape his sight—before shyly beginning to undress. Soon, only Ling Shuang, the small serpent coiled around her arm, remained on her. She cast a quick glance toward Liu Xi before diving into the lake with a splash.
Seeing that Qing Lin hadn't actually hidden from him, Liu Xi couldn't help but grin. He wasn't a saint, and so he openly appreciated the charming sight of the girl bathing in the shimmering lake.
Qing Lin's body, once frail and thin, had grown healthier thanks to the nourishment of Liu Xi's specially refined Fasting Pill. The faint azure scales upon her skin added a bewitching allure to her already delicate beauty.
After watching her for a moment, Liu Xi reclined lazily on a nearby rock, hands behind his head, murmuring with a faint smile, "Still a lot of room to grow."
The wind rustled softly through the leaves, filling the quiet grove with a peaceful stillness.
About ten minutes later, Liu Xi suddenly opened his eyes, his expression turning grave. He rose instantly, tapping the ground lightly before flashing toward the lake where Qing Lin was bathing.
Seeing him rush toward her, Qing Lin froze, her face instantly reddening. "Y-Young Master…"
Then, realizing something, her thoughts spun wildly. Could it be… Young Master finally can't hold back anymore? Ah! Should I just give in right away, or resist a little first? Ugh, this is so hard to decide!
But Liu Xi wasn't acting on desire—he swooped in, scooped her up from the lake, and draped his own robe around her slender figure. Holding her close, he leapt behind a large tree, his Spiritual Power rippling outward as an illusionary barrier enveloped them both, concealing their presence entirely.
Moments later, eight female Snake-People emerged from the forest path. Under Liu Xi's perception, one of them was a Dou Wang, three were Da Dou Shi, and the remaining four Dou Shi.
'Damn it… I got careless,' Liu Xi thought wryly. 'I only checked the oasis itself for Snake-People and then withdrew my Spiritual Power… I didn't expect a patrol of female Snake-People to arrive just now! What kind of timing is this?'
The group halted near the lake. The Dou Wang leading them gave a few orders, then strode alone to the lakeside and removed her black robe.
Her upper body gleamed like sculpted white jade, flawless and proud. The sunlight caressed her curves, and her diamond-shaped pupils shimmered with alluring charm, while the faint moisture on her skin added a captivating, wild sensuality.
Below her waist stretched a long, sleek serpent tail—emerald green and sinuous—radiating primal strength. With a sudden whip of that tail against the ground, her body launched into the air before plunging gracefully into the lake, sending up a sparkling spray.
Even Liu Xi, who had seen much in his past life, couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "That Snake-woman's... assets are truly outrageous. Judging by her aura, she must be Yue Mei. Tsk, best not provoke her. Getting entangled with the Snake-People would be nothing but trouble. With my Illusionary Heart Technique, even a Dou Huang couldn't detect me unless they possessed Dou Zong-level Spiritual Power."
Beside him, Qing Lin noticed Liu Xi's gaze fixed entirely on the bathing Snake-woman. She glanced down at her own small chest, then back at the other woman's proud figure, and her heart soured with jealousy. Her emerald eyes glimmered faintly, flashing with a trace of quiet hostility.
(End of Chapter)
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