Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils

The charcoal crackled in a clay brazier in the corner of the tent. Orange-red flames greedily licked at thick Poplar Wood logs, occasionally spitting tiny sparks that fell onto the sand-covered ground and vanished in an instant. The flickering firelight bathed the entire tent in warmth, as though it had been wrapped in a soft veil of gold, completely dispelling the lingering afternoon heat of the Tagor Desert. The air outside remained scorching, but the warmth inside carried just the right touch of gentleness, making one feel comfortable from head to toe.

Xiao Yan held Qing Lin as he sat on a low couch covered in thick, dense Sand Fox Hide. Xiao Ding had specially found the hide for them. Its fur was smooth and still held the faint warmth of sunlight, and sitting on it felt like sinking into soft clouds. Qing Lin curled up in Xiao Yan's arms, her small body drawn into a ball like a frightened little animal that had finally found shelter. She buried her head tightly in the hollow of his neck, her warm breath brushing against his skin. Her little hands still clutched the front of his clothes tightly, her knuckles turning slightly white from the force, even her fingertips cool with tension.

One of Xiao Yan's hands steadily supported her back, his palm resting against her slender waist with calm strength, silently telling her, "Don't be afraid." His other hand gently stroked down her long hair, his fingers tenderly brushing away the Tiny sparks of sand still caught in it—the sand she had picked up when she Fell down earlier. He removed them bit by bit, moving as delicately as if he were protecting some fragile treasure, afraid that even the slightest force would startle the little girl in his arms.

"Are you still afraid?" He lowered his head slightly, his voice soft and gentle, like a spring breeze passing over a lake, carrying the power to soothe one's heart. His warm breath brushed Qing Lin's ear, bringing with it his distinct faint herbal scent and the crisp aura of Dou Qi, making her tense body Tremble slightly. "Those two have already gone to receive their punishment. Twenty strokes of the military rod will make sure they never dare bully you again."

Qing Lin said nothing. She only curled herself deeper into his embrace, pressing her cheek tightly against his warm chest. Through the thin fabric, she Clearly felt Xiao Yan's Steady and Powerful heartbeat—thump, thump, thump—like the steady beat of a drum, gradually scattering the lingering fear in her heart and slowly relaxing her rigid back. The grievance and helplessness she had felt while being bullied, along with those piercing insults of "monster" and "burden," all turned into soft sobs that slipped from her throat. Her voice was thick with tears, soft and trembling enough to make one's heart ache. "Big Brother Xiao Yan... they said I'm a monster... that I Should not have stayed here... that I only waste food..."

Something seemed to tug gently at Xiao Yan's heart, sending fine threads of pain through it. He tightened his arms slightly and held Qing Lin closer, his palm firmly against her back as he passed his own warmth into her bit by bit, as though he wanted to shelter her completely beneath his wings. "Don't listen to their nonsense." He lowered his gaze to the reddened Corner of the eye of the little girl in his arms, where undried tears clung like two fragile crystals. His tone was incomparably serious, every word carrying strength. "Qing Lin is not a monster. You're a good girl who carefully helps me sort herbs, who can distinguish Sea Buckthorn Grass from Camel Thorn perfectly. You're a little helper who quietly brings warm water and clean cloth strips whenever mercenaries are injured. You remember that Uncle Li likes salty dried meat and Brother Wang likes porridge with jujubes, and you secretly prepare little surprises for everyone. You're family to our Ink Iron Mercenary Group. You're my, Xiao Yan's, little sister. How could you not belong here?"

He raised his hand and gently wiped away the remaining tears on Qing Lin's cheeks with his fingertips. When his fingers touched her slightly cool skin, he instinctively slowed down, as though touching the most delicate petals. "The people who say such things about you simply don't understand how wonderful you are. They're blind." There was a trace of barely detectable anger in Xiao Yan's voice, but he quickly suppressed it, leaving only gentleness behind. "From now on, no matter who talks nonsense about you again, you don't have to endure it, and you don't have to be afraid. Just tell your big brother. I'll teach them a lesson and let them know how wonderful our Qing Lin is, all right?"

Qing Lin slowly raised her head, her moist eyes looking at Xiao Yan. Tears still clung to her long lashes like morning dew on grass, and her eyes were red, but they no longer held the same fear as before. Instead, there was now dependence and trust. She looked into Xiao Yan's earnest eyes, which were filled with sincerity and protectiveness without the slightest hint of disgust. Feeling the warmth in his embrace, a warmth like sunlight that Dispelled all her unease, the grievances she had been holding inside finally found an outlet. Tears fell again, one after another striking Xiao Yan's clothes and blooming into small wet marks. Yet this time, there was no fear in them—only the security and emotion of being cherished and protected.

"Big Brother Xiao Yan..." she called softly, her voice gentle and still carrying a trace of sobbing, though it had gained some strength. "It's so good to have you here."

Xiao Yan could not help smiling at the sight of her, the tenderness in his eyes almost overflowing. He reached out and patted her head, the warmth of his palm passing through her soft hair to her scalp. Qing Lin narrowed her eyes comfortably, like a kitten being stroked, and unconsciously rubbed herself against his palm. "I'll always be here," he said quietly, his tone full of certainty and without the slightest hesitation. "No matter what happens in the future—whether someone bullies you or you encounter poisonous insects or Demonic Beasts—so long as you call for Big Brother Xiao Yan, even if I'm on the other side of the desert, I'll come running immediately. As long as I'm here, you don't need to be afraid."

Qing Lin nodded hard, her little head bobbing like a rattle drum, and the tears in her eyes finally stopped falling. She buried her head once more in the hollow of Xiao Yan's neck. Her little hands gradually relaxed, no longer gripping his clothes tightly, but merely resting lightly on his arm. Her fingers unconsciously brushed against his sleeve—that was a scent that gave her Peace of Mind.

The tent became very quiet. There was only the crackling of the burning charcoal, like a gentle lullaby, along with the steady breathing of the two of them, one deep and one light, gradually falling into rhythm. Leaning in Xiao Yan's arms, Qing Lin's nose was filled with his faint herbal fragrance and the scent of sunlight. It was Xiao Yan's unique scent, one that made her feel completely secure. The unease in her heart seemed to be slowly swallowed by the tide, fading bit by bit until only a fullness of peace and warmth remained. Before she knew it, her tense shoulders had completely relaxed, and even her breathing became calm and drawn out. Her small body rose and fell gently with Xiao Yan's breathing, like a little boat moored in a harbor, no longer tossed by wind and waves.

Xiao Yan lowered his head to look at the gradually relaxing features of the little girl in his arms. The corners of his previously tight lips slowly curved into a tender smile. He continued patting her back gently, his motions slow and rhythmic, like he was coaxing a child to sleep. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the tent, casting scattered spots of light over Qing Lin's hair like a rim of gold. Outside, the wind and sand still howled, whipping grains against the hide tent with rustling sounds, as though the desert were Murmuring softly. Yet the warmth inside became ever richer, shutting out all malice and cold. Because of this unconditional protection and reliance, this small tent became Qing Lin's safest and warmest harbor in the vast desert, letting her know that from this day onward, she would no longer be alone.

At noon in the Tagor Desert, the Blazing Sun hung in the sky like a red-hot copper platter, baking the rolling dunes until they turned pale. The sand was hot enough to cook eggs, and even the air was warped by the heat. Distant scenery became blurred phantoms in the waves of heat, as if the entire desert were steaming beneath the high temperature. Beneath a poplar tree at the edge of Stone Spring Oasis, Xiao Ding held a yellowed sheepskin map. His fingers repeatedly traced a cinnabar mark to the southeast, and his brows were slightly furrowed in a Grave expression.

"Little Yan, according to clues left behind by older generations of mercenaries, thirty li south of Stone Desert City lies a place called Scorching Wind Valley, buried beneath wind and sand." Xiao Ding lifted his eyes toward Xiao Yan, his voice somewhat heavy. "Beneath the valley is a bottomless underground fissure. Rumor has it that it connects to an immense layer of magma. The Fire Attribute Energy there is so dense it almost Condensed into substance, and even the air carries a burning sensation. But that place is extremely dangerous. Twenty years ago, a fairly strong group of mercenaries wandered in by mistake, and not one of them Came out alive. The only one among the Survivors went mad. His notes said that at night, one could hear dull, strange noises coming from underground, as if a giant beast were roaring. Even the Snake People Tribe, which has occupied the desert for years, dares not go anywhere near that region."

Xiao Yan gripped the hilt of the Black Heavy Ruler on his back, his fingers feeling the cold surface of the ruler, yet a fiery gleam flashed through his eyes. "With Fire Attribute Energy this dense, there may be clues to Heavenly Flames hidden there. Big Brother, I have to investigate this place. Even if there's danger, it'll be worth it." Beside him, Xiao Li carried a long spear over his shoulder. The black iron shaft gleamed coldly, and lightning patterns faintly flowed beneath the sunlight. He grinned brightly and patted Xiao Yan's shoulder. "Perfect. We can stretch our muscles a bit! With the two of us brothers here, even if there really is a giant beast, we'll skin it alive!"

Qing Lin stood at Xiao Yan's side, her little hand gripping the corner of his clothes so tightly that her fingertips whitened and her knuckles showed. She raised her little face, her eyes full of expectation and unease, her voice soft. "Big Brother Xiao Yan, I want to go too. I can organize herbs and help you find the way. If anyone gets hurt, I can pass them medicine and bandages. Maybe I can help." Xiao Yan lowered his head and looked at her sparkling eyes, as though two tiny stars were hidden within them. He reached out and patted her head, his tone gentle. "It might be very hot inside, and it could be dangerous. Stay close to me and don't wander off, understand? As long as I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you." Qing Lin nodded firmly, a reassured smile appearing on her little face as her hand loosened slightly around his clothes.

The three followed the map toward Scorching Wind Valley. The closer they came to the entrance, the hotter the air became. The heat from the sand beneath their feet drilled up through their soles as though they were stepping on red-hot iron, and even their shoes seemed ready to soften from the heat. The valley entrance was piled with enormous weathered rocks. White vapor continuously rose from gaps between them, churning like boiling water, while a strong sulfur smell filled the air and made them frown and cough. Xiao Ding Pulled out the long spear at his waist. Its shaft had been forged from black iron mixed with the heartwood of submerged wood. It was not only indestructible but could also block high temperatures to some degree, while its spearhead was as sharp as an eagle's talons and glinted with cold light. Gripping the shaft, he brought it down fiercely on a massive rock half-buried in the sand. With a loud bang, the boulder split apart with a gap nearly two meters wide, exposing a pitch-black Cave Entrance. A scalding heatwave instantly Gushed out from the opening, carrying a pungent sulfur stench. It was like the gates of hell had opened. Qing Lin could not help stepping back, her little face flushing red as she coughed repeatedly until tears came to her eyes.

"This is it." Xiao Ding used his spear to clear the entrance further and said in a low voice, "There may be poisonous miasma below. Circulate your Dou Qi to protect your mouths and noses. Watch the loose stones underfoot, and don't step into empty space." With that, he leaped into the entrance first, his figure vanishing into darkness. Xiao Yan held Qing Lin's hand and followed close behind. Qing Lin gripped his hand tightly, and the warmth in his palm scattered much of her unease, making her steps steadier. Xiao Li carried his spear and stayed behind to Cover the Retreat, his steps steady as his vigilant gaze swept across the surroundings. His ears were perked up as he listened carefully for movement nearby.

The tunnel was narrow and steep, its rock walls hot enough to cook food. A single touch would burn one's hand and make it recoil. Every so often, Dark red lava seeped from cracks in the rock walls like tears of magma, hissing as it dripped onto the ground. It instantly scorched the sand black and sent up wisps of smoke. The three walked down natural stone steps along the walls. The steps were covered in moss, which had become slick and brittle under the heat, and one could easily slip and fall without care. About half an hour later, the passage suddenly opened up. Before them appeared an immense underground cavern. The ceiling stood dozens of meters high, with stalactites hanging down. Some had been heated red by magma like glowing iron pillars. Stones occasionally fell from above, striking the ground with crackling sounds and scattering Tiny sparks.

At the center of the cavern lay a boundless lake of magma. The Dark red magma churned like boiling blood, swelling into enormous bubbles whose surfaces glimmered with golden firelight. The bubbles rose from the depths, then burst with a loud bang upon reaching the surface, splashing magma half a meter high. It scattered through the air as dots of flame like brilliant fireworks, but it carried deadly heat, turning the entire cavern red as an inferno. The Fire Attribute Energy in the air was so violent it seemed ready to tear the air apart. Xiao Yan circulated his Dou Qi, and pale purple Dou Qi Wreathed around his body, forming a thin barrier that barely resisted the invading heat. Qing Lin's eyes reddened from the heatwaves. She pressed tightly against Xiao Yan, discomfort written all over her face as fine Sweat Beads formed on her forehead, yet she gritted her teeth without making a sound, afraid of burdening everyone. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li also circulated their Dou Qi. Xiao Ding's pale green Dou Qi Wreathed around his spear, while Xiao Li's Lightning Attribute Dou Qi crackled as it formed a shield of lightning around him, blocking the blazing heat from the magma.

"What dense Fire Attribute Energy!" Xiao Yan's eyes burned as he stared at the magma lake. The energy concentration here is several times stronger than the volcanic craters in the Monster Beast Mountain Range. There may really be Heavenly Flames growing here. Just as he was about to step closer to the magma lake, a tremendous rumble erupted Like a thunderclap. A small lava island at the center of the lake suddenly exploded, magma flying everywhere like a volcanic eruption. An enormous figure Darted out from the magma, carrying a monstrous heatwave as it lunged at the three of them like a meteor. It moved so quickly that it left behind only an afterimage.

It was a Two-Headed Fire Spirit Python! Its body was as thick as a water barrel and more than twenty meters long, several times bulkier than the Third-tier Demonic Beast they had encountered before. Its scales were lava-like Dark red, gleaming with a metallic sheen. Every scale was Wreathed around by faint flames, as though forged from magma, and lava occasionally seeped from the gaps between the scales like flowing fire. Its two heads stood side by side. The left head flicked a forked scarlet tongue, and every flick of it carried scorching heat that warped the air Where it passed. The right head was surrounded by a blazing ball of flame that rose and fell with its breathing like a beating heart. Its Pupils were like two red-hot gemstones, filled with violent, bloodthirsty intent, as though they could see through one's heart. As its massive body moved, it stirred the magma into towering waves and formed whirlpools of lava. Every sway carried an Aura of Destruction, as though it would overturn the entire cavern, making even the rock walls Tremble slightly.

"Careful! It's a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast, a Two-Headed Fire Spirit Python!" Xiao Ding's Expression drastically changed, his Pupils contracting as he shouted. The strength of a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast was comparable to a human Dou Wang, far beyond any Third-tier Demonic Beast. Its strength and techniques both carried destructive power. He instantly pushed his Dou Qi to its limit. Pale green Dou Qi Wreathed around his spear, and the shaft shone with dazzling green light as he shot forward like an arrow. "Little Li, keep its left head occupied! Watch out for its fire pillar attacks, don't take them head-on!" Xiao Li's playful look also vanished, his expression turning grave. With a shake of his spear, Lightning Attribute Dou Qi suddenly erupted. Blinding lightning flashed over the shaft with crackling sounds as though a lightning serpent had coiled around it. He charged at the Fire Spirit Python's right head and shouted, "Good! A Fifth-tier Demonic Beast! Perfect for your Second Brother to test your strength!"

The Two-Headed Fire Spirit Python let out a deafening hiss like thunder, shaking the entire cavern as gravel rained down from the rock walls. Its left head suddenly spat a thick pillar of fire at Xiao Ding. The pillar was like a fire dragon emerging from the sea, a full meter wide and carrying devastating heat. The air itself ignited in its wake as it shot toward Xiao Ding's face. Xiao Ding's gaze sharpened. With a shift of his feet, he moved aside like a phantom and Avoided the fire pillar. It swept past his shoulder and struck the rock wall behind him. With a boom, it instantly melted the Hard rock into lava, which flowed down the wall and formed a small Magma Pool on the ground. Xiao Ding took the chance to close in, his spear carrying fierce Dou Qi as he thrust it at the left head's eye—the weak point of a Demonic Beast. But the Fire Spirit Python reacted with astonishing speed. Its left head jerked aside while its tail lashed out, carrying magma as it whipped toward Xiao Ding like an iron rod. Xiao Ding was forced back and barely evaded the tail. It smashed into the ground and instantly blasted out a pit several meters deep. Lava spread from the crater, scorching all the surrounding sand black.

The right head spat a massive fireball toward Xiao Li. The fireball was roughly three meters wide, like a burning meteor. It exploded in midair and became countless Tiny sparks that Swept towards Xiao Li like a torrential rain, sealing all his routes of retreat. Xiao Li's Gaze sharpened, and he spun his spear so quickly that it became Air-tight. Lightning interwove into a sturdy barrier, and a stream of clanging sounds rang out as every spark was blocked. Yet the heatwave from the sparks still scorched his arms numb. The edges of his robes were even slightly charred, with wisps of smoke rising from them. He gritted his teeth and circulated his Lightning Attribute Dou Qi faster. The lightning at his spear tip surged, as though a small bolt of lightning had Condensed into substance there, and he stabbed toward the Fire Spirit Python's right head. "You beast! Take a strike from your Second Brother!"

"This beast's Fire Attribute attacks are incredibly strong, and its defense is absurdly tough!" Xiao Li shouted while attacking. "Little Yan, don't just stand there! Attack together! Only the three of us working together have a chance to take it down!"

Xiao Yan nodded and no longer hesitated. His Right Hand gripped the Black Heavy Ruler, and he Pulled it out with a deep hum. The ruler carried immense weight and emitted a heavy black gleam. The moment it appeared, the surrounding air seemed to grow more sluggish beneath its pressure. He circulated his Dou Qi, pale purple Dou Qi Wreathed around the Black Heavy Ruler like a halo coating the heavy weapon. He Darted out like an arrow, Avoiding the huge tail sweeping toward him. The tail carried scalding magma like a burning whip, smashing into the ground and instantly blasting out a deep crater. Lava spread from the pit and scorched all surrounding sand black. Using the stalactites hanging from the cavern ceiling, Xiao Yan shifted continuously through the air like an agile leopard, leaping between the stalactites as he searched for an opening.

He seized the moment when the Fire Spirit Python turned. His Toes tapped off a stalactite, and his body suddenly accelerated like an arrow loosed from a bow. Carrying immense power, the Black Heavy Ruler smashed down fiercely toward the python's vital point seven inches below its head—where the scales of snake-type Magical Beasts were relatively weak. Clang! The Black Heavy Ruler Heavily smashed onto the Fire Spirit Python's scales, producing a crisp metallic collision as Sparks flew everywhere like brilliant fireworks. But the python's scales were far tougher than imagined. The blow only left a faint white mark and caused no real damage. It did not even make the beast pause.

That strike thoroughly enraged the Fire Spirit Python. It let out a furious hiss filled with violence and killing intent. Both heads turned toward Xiao Yan at once. The left head spat an even thicker pillar of fire, nearly twice as wide as before, like a true fire dragon carrying an Aura of Destruction. The right head hurled out a burning ball of magma, larger than the previous one and wreathed in flames. One came before and one behind, sealing every path of retreat and forming a prison of fire around Xiao Yan. "Little Yan!" Xiao Ding's heart tightened at the sight. He leaped up and Condensed his Dou Qi to its limit, slashing his spear to release a green Dou Qi Slash containing his Full body Dou Qi. The Dou Qi Slash swept toward the fire pillar like a crescent moon with fierce force, and with a bang, cut the pillar in half. But the magma ball was already less than three meters from Xiao Yan. With no time to dodge, he could only block it head-on with the Black Heavy Ruler.

Boom! The magma ball exploded against the Black Heavy Ruler, and the blazing shockwave instantly sent Xiao Yan flying. He slammed heavily into the rock wall behind him with a muffled groan. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth and Stained with his chin red. The Dou Qi on the Black Heavy Ruler dimmed somewhat, and the ruler itself had been heated slightly red by the magma. His arm burned with searing pain. His robes had been scorched into tatters, and the exposed skin was covered in fine burns. Some spots had even blistered, a shocking sight. He struggled to Stand up, only to find that the impact had thrown the Dou Qi in his body into disorder, making it difficult to circulate. He could only barely support himself, gripping the Black Heavy Ruler tightly, his eyes still resolute.

"Big Brother Xiao Yan!" Qing Lin's face went pale with fright. Tears welled in her eyes before large drops rolled down and struck her hands. She rushed forward desperately, but Xiao Li grabbed her. "Don't go over there! It's dangerous! That beast is Staring at Little Yan. If you go over, you'll get caught up in it. Then Little Yan will have to divide his attention to protect you!" Qing Lin struggled. Seeing Xiao Yan injured, anxiety and anger surged endlessly through her heart. Her tears fell even harder as she said in a Crying tone, "But Big Brother Xiao Yan is hurt... I want to help him..."

Seeing Xiao Yan injured, a Fierce Light flashed in the Fire Spirit Python's eyes, like a predator that had spotted its prey. Its body twisted, and it rushed toward Xiao Yan like an arrow released from a bow. Its huge head opened wide, exposing sharp Fangs dripping with magma, carrying a powerful sulfur stench and a foul reek as it prepared to swallow Xiao Yan whole. Xiao Yan forced himself to Stand up and gripped the Black Heavy Ruler, trying to circulate his Dou Qi. But the Dou Qi in his body was in complete disarray, and he could only gather a weak wisp of it, nowhere near enough to resist the Fire Spirit Python's attack. Looking at the approaching beast, he Thought to himself, Am I really going to die here? I'm sorry, Qing Lin, Big Brother, Second Brother...

At the critical moment, Qing Lin suddenly broke free from Xiao Li's grip and rushed toward Xiao Yan with all her strength. Her small figure was like a brave little bird as she stood in front of him. Her little face was taut and her brows furrowed. Then her originally clear eyes abruptly changed. At the center of her Pupils, three pale green petal-like patterns Slowly emerged. Like a blooming lotus, the petals lay Layer upon layer, emitting a faint glow. The patterns flowed continuously, carrying an eerie and majestic presence, as though they could intimidate every serpent in the world. Even the air grew still beneath that aura. This was the talent hidden within her, one even she had never noticed—the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils!

"You're not allowed to hurt Big Brother Xiao Yan!" Qing Lin's voice was still childish, yet it contained an irresistible power, like an ancient command. The light of her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils grew brighter and brighter, enveloping her small body in a pale green halo. The Fire Spirit Python charged to within less than a meter of Qing Lin. Just as it opened its huge mouth to devour both of them, it suddenly froze as though struck by a binding spell. Its two heads began shaking violently like they had gone mad. The violence in its eyes gave way to confusion, fear, and submission. Low whimpers came From His Mouth. The flames on its body gradually dimmed, and the magma on its scales stopped flowing. None of its former viciousness remained.

Qing Lin stared at the Two-Headed Fire Spirit Python, her small body standing straight as the light of her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils grew even more brilliant like two green stars. She raised her head slightly, her voice firm and carrying an innate authority. "From now on, you have to listen to me. You can't hurt people anymore, and you especially can't hurt Big Brother Xiao Yan!" As her Voice Fell, the Fire Spirit Python seemed to understand. Its enormous heads slowly lowered like subjects submitting to their ruler. Its formerly taut body relaxed, and it even rubbed one of its heads affectionately against Qing Lin's arm. Its movements were careful, as though afraid of frightening her. Like a tame pet, it was completely different from its previous ferocious appearance.

Xiao Yan, Xiao Ding, and Xiao Li were all stunned. They stared blankly at the scene Before His Eyes, their faces full of disbelief, their mouths slightly open wide enough to fit an egg. Xiao Li scratched his head, his face blank and his voice trembling slightly. "Th-this... what's going on? It was so fierce just now, ready to eat people, and even a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast's savage nature couldn't be suppressed. How did it become obedient after Qing Lin only looked at it once? This girl's eyes... they're too bizarre!"

At that moment, Elder Yao's voice rang out in Xiao Yan's mind, carrying surprise, teasing, and a trace of envy. "You brat's luck is truly beyond words. You've stumbled onto extraordinary fortune. Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils—that is an exceedingly rare constitution seen only once in a thousand years among the Snake People Tribe. Hardly anyone on the entire continent possesses it. These pupils can not only intimidate all snake-type Magical Beasts but forcibly control them. Even ancient serpents would be cowed by their pressure. You actually encountered someone with such a gift and even kept her by your side. It's as though the heavens themselves are helping you!" Xiao Yan was shaken, then joy surged through him. He had never imagined that Qing Lin possessed such powerful talent. She had not only saved him, but would also become a great help in the future.

Understanding flashed through Xiao Ding's eyes. He Stepped Forward and looked at the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils in Qing Lin's eyes, his voice full of amazement and gratification. "Qing Lin's eyes may be the legendary Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils! Legend says that among the Snake People Tribe, only Snake People with exceptionally pure bloodlines containing the bloodline of an ancient snake god can possess them. They can control all snakes under heaven. I never expected Qing Lin to have such a gift. What tremendous fortune!"

Enduring the pain, Xiao Yan Walked step by step to Qing Lin's side and gently patted her head. His eyes were full of surprise and lingering fear, and his voice was slightly hoarse. "Qing Lin, you were so brave just now. Thank you for saving me. Without you, your big brother would have been in danger today." The light of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils in Qing Lin's eyes gradually faded, returning them to their original clear appearance. She looked at Xiao Yan, an embarrassed smile appearing on her little face as she scratched her head. "When I saw it trying to hurt Big Brother Xiao Yan, I only thought that I had to stop it. I couldn't let it hurt you. Then my eyes suddenly became like this. I don't know what happened either. It just felt like there was a voice in my heart telling me to command it not to hurt anyone."

As though it sensed Xiao Yan's presence, the Fire Spirit Python affectionately rubbed against his leg as well. It was gentle in its movements, with none of its former violence. Xiao Yan looked at the magma lake before him, then at the tame Fire Spirit Python, and smiled. "It looks like this place truly hides something extraordinary. With Little Fire helping us, we won't have to worry about danger when we investigate the magma in the future. Having a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast as a bodyguard is no ordinary treatment." Xiao Li Stepped Forward and cautiously patted the Fire Spirit Python's head. When he saw that it did not resist and instead rubbed affectionately against his hand, he burst into laughter. "Good fellow! From now on, you're a member of our Ink Iron Mercenary Group! With a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast like you here, let's see who still dares provoke us! When we go on missions in the future, stay beside Qing Lin and be her mount. What do you say?"

Qing Lin crouched down and gently stroked the Fire Spirit Python's scales. Though they were still scorching hot, she did not mind at all. Her little face was full of delight, like she had received her favorite toy. "I'll call you Little Fire from now on! Little Fire, we're friends now. You have to protect everyone, okay?" The Fire Spirit Python seemed to understand. It released a gentle hiss and nodded lightly, then rubbed its head against Qing Lin, appearing extremely affectionate.

Inside the cavern, the magma continued to churn and the heatwaves remained scorching, but the atmosphere had become exceptionally relaxed. Xiao Yan looked at Qing Lin beside him and the tame Fire Spirit Python, then at his eldest and second brothers nearby. His heart was filled with strength. This journey into the underground magma had not only found a place rich in Fire Attribute Energy, but had unexpectedly awakened Qing Lin's Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and subdued a Fifth-tier Demonic Beast. Their gains far exceeded expectations. Deep within that magma lake, an unusual light faintly flickered like shining stars. It seemed that something even more mysterious awaited their exploration. Perhaps it was the clue to the Heavenly Flames he had been seeking all along.