The Sky Serpent Empire—vast and powerful—occupied the southern corner of the Northwest Region. Its territory alone was equivalent to three or even five Jia Ma Empires combined. The reason for its dominance lay in a single force that unified the entire nation—the Sky Serpent Mansion. This formidable power controlled all resources within the empire, leaving smaller factions struggling to survive in its shadow.
Even the royal family of the empire was directly subordinate to the Mansion. Every reigning emperor had to be approved by the Mansion Lord before ascending the throne. Within the Sky Serpent Empire, the Mansion's authority was absolute, its influence stretching over millions. At its core stood one woman—the Sky Serpent Saintess—a Dou Zun-level powerhouse, revered as second only to the Mansion Lord himself.
Because of her existence, the Mansion's prestige had soared in recent years. The Saintess had become the most beloved figure in the empire, the uncontested successor to the Mansion Lord's seat. No one dared to challenge her.
Within the bustling Sky Serpent City, a place that, while not the official capital, surpassed it in influence and prosperity, stood the heart of the Mansion's domain. Those who could dwell here were all bound, in one way or another, to the Sky Serpent Mansion.
Inside a luxurious inn adorned with ornate serpentine motifs, on the third floor of a private room overlooking the central avenue, Liu Xi sat by the window, holding a cup of the empire's famed snake wine. It was said to strengthen one's body if consumed over time.
He took a light sip, letting the warmth burn across his tongue as he gazed out upon the lively streets below. 'The Sky Serpent Saintess… one woman beneath none, above ten thousand.' A hint of guilt flickered in his eyes. 'You've waited all these years… I wonder if you resent me.'
He had no appetite. Beside him, Xiao Yixian was equally distracted, while Zi Yan—always with a healthy appetite—was the only one truly focused on the feast laid before them.
Sensing Liu Xi's distant demeanor, Xiao Yixian put down her chopsticks and looked at him softly. "Young Master, are you worried about something?"
'Worried?' He gave a faint, self-mocking smile but didn't answer. Instead, he turned to the serving girl nearby and asked, "I heard the Sky Serpent Saintess is returning today—is that true?"
The waitress, who had been wearing a polite smile, suddenly trembled with excitement. Her tone shifted to one filled with reverence. "Honored guest, it's true! The Saintess led an army to subdue the Dark Ghost Tiger—a 7th Rank Magical Beast that wreaked havoc in the empire's southwest. She has already returned victorious and should arrive in the city at any moment!"
Xiao Yixian's eyes narrowed slightly. "So, Young Master cares quite a lot about this Saintess." Her tone was calm, but an unspoken challenge rippled beneath it.
Before Liu Xi could reply, a sudden cheer erupted from the streets below. "The Saintess has returned!"
Instantly, the avenue was swept into a frenzy. Crowds parted to either side of the royal road, faces alight with admiration and awe. The Saintess's popularity was astonishing.
Unfolding his Spiritual Perception, Liu Xi quietly listened to the countless whispers about her—their stories painting a vivid portrait of the woman she had become.
They said the Saintess was a prodigy who cultivated ten years' worth of progress in a single year. From Dou Zhe to Dou Zun—she had achieved it all in less than eight years. Her temperament was cold and detached, showing interest in nothing but cultivation or silent contemplation.
After reaching the Dou Huang level, she became known for her ruthless expeditions against rebellious forces. Wherever she marched, enemies were given only two choices—submit, or perish.
They also said she detested men. The Mansion Lord's own son—once the favored heir apparent—had once tried to court her. She had only given him a single cold glance, but from that day onward, he went mad, transforming into a serpent whenever he saw a woman. His illness became so severe that the Mansion Lord himself had to bow her head and personally apologize to her disciple before peace was restored.
That moment marked the first time the Saintess's authority had eclipsed even the Mansion Lord's. Afterward, she led countless victorious campaigns, her fame and influence reaching their peak when she broke through to the Dou Zun realm.
Liu Xi was momentarily stunned after hearing these accounts. 'That doesn't sound like the Qing Lin I knew… but perhaps it's for the best. Only a hardened spirit can survive in a world like this.'
Suddenly, the sound of hoofbeats echoed sharply through the street. The noise drew every gaze downward—silence fell like a wave.
The steeds were massive, scales of black steel glimmering under the sun. Their crimson eyes burned with ferocity—Magical Beasts of the flood-dragon line. Twelve armored riders advanced in perfect formation, their auras fierce and disciplined.
Behind them came four even greater draconic steeds, pulling a grand carriage gilded in gold and jade.
Liu Xi set down his wine cup and rose. Resting his elbow on the windowsill, his eyes pierced through the veiled curtains of the carriage as though seeing the woman within—familiar yet distant.
"Qing Lin!"
His voice was calm but carried with it a resonance that spread through the still air. To the onlookers below, it was like a thunderclap on a clear day.
"Who dares call the Saintess by name?!" an elder's furious roar erupted.
"Silence. All of you, stand down." A cool, melodic voice drifted from within the carriage, tinged with restrained emotion.
The curtain lifted. A young woman stepped out, her slender figure wrapped in a flowing cyan dress that traced every curve of her body with divine grace.
Her face was breathtakingly beautiful—features delicate, her gaze both cold and mesmerizing, like a serpent's charm that bewitched the soul.
When her eyes found Liu Xi standing at the window with a warm smile, the frost within them melted instantly.
Liu Xi raised his hand gently and smiled. "Qing Lin, I've come to bring you home."
For a heartbeat, Qing Lin stood frozen in disbelief. Then, a radiant smile blossomed upon her lips, sweeping away years of solitude.
"Young Master… Qing Lin has waited so long for this day."
As the Saintess of Sky Serpent Mansion soared through the air and landed softly in Liu Xi's embrace through the open window, the city below exploded into uproar.
The entire street erupted into chaos. Gasps, murmurs, and disbelief swept through the crowd. Never before had anyone seen the aloof Saintess smile—let alone leap from her divine carriage into the arms of another.
(End of Chapter)
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