Oasis Journey

A few days later

Originally, after subduing the Green Lotus Core Flame during this trip to the Tagor Desert, Liu Xi's initial goal had been achieved. However, in order to obtain the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame Remnant Map, he brought Qing Lin back into the desert, intending to search the depths of the Tagor Desert for the Sand Mandara.

The blazing sun hung high overhead, pouring down scorching rays. Yet this searing heat had no effect on Liu Xi. Once he began circulating the Nine Nether Spirit Flame Art to plunder heat from the outside world, a faint chill instead surrounded his body.

At that moment, Liu Xi flew through the sky, his arm around Qing Lin's soft, water-snake-like waist. From time to time, he teased the pretty little maid who clung to him like a sloth. The journey was quite pleasant.

They had been in the western Tagor Desert for several days, where the chances of encountering Snake People had greatly increased. From the sky, Liu Xi had witnessed many battles between Snake Person Tribes, as well as between Snake Person Tribes and Human Mercenaries, all over desert oases, water sources, and mineral deposits. Perhaps because such resources were scarce in the desert, both humans and Snake People were exceptionally warlike and fierce here.

Liu Xi did not wish to invite unnecessary trouble on this trip. Fortunately, with his powerful Soul Perception, he basically did not need to worry about clashing with Snake Person Tribe patrols. After all, deep within the Tagor Desert, aside from numerous small and medium-sized Snake Person Tribes, there were also the Eight Great Snake Person Tribes. Each of them had a Dou Wang in command, as well as their Queen, the Dou Emperor Medusa.

Liu Xi glanced at the somewhat weary Qing Lin in his arms and said, "I remember the map showed an oasis ahead. Let's go over there and rest for a while."

After flying through the air for so long, Liu Xi, as a Dou Wang, was naturally fine. But Qing Lin was only at the second stage of Dou Qi and was still rather fragile.

The moment he said it, he acted. Liu Xi spread the wings on his back, raising his speed another level. In little more than ten minutes, a patch of lush green appeared before them amid the endless yellow sands.

Compared with the boundless sea of yellow sand stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction, that touch of green looked especially lovely.

Upon reaching the edge of the oasis, Liu Xi first cautiously released his Soul Perception. Only after confirming that no Snake People were stationed within the oasis did he confidently withdraw his Dou Qi Wings and lead Qing Lin inside.

Seeing the lush trees and grass beside them, Liu Xi felt refreshed. Such a vibrant scene was far more interesting than endless yellow sand. Even Qing Lin perked up considerably, following Liu Xi toward the depths of the oasis with light, cheerful steps.

After passing through a shaded forest path, the two saw a lake deep within the oasis. Its water was clear and transparent, bringing a hint of coolness to the scorching desert.

Liu Xi took Qing Lin forward to wash up briefly. Then Qing Lin's pretty face reddened as she said to him somewhat bashfully, "Young Master, can we stay here a little longer? I... I want to bathe here!"

Hearing that, Liu Xi chuckled and slowly said, "No problem. But does Qing Lin want me to avoid watching?"

Qing Lin hurriedly said, "No... Ah, Young Master, you're awful!"

She immediately covered her little face with both hands and ran off to the side. She did not go far, remaining within Liu Xi's line of sight, and slowly began removing her dress. In the end, only Ling Shuang remained wrapped around her arm. After secretly glancing at Liu Xi, she suddenly leaped into the lake.

Seeing that Qing Lin had not truly hidden herself away to undress, Liu Xi roughly understood that she was not actually resistant to him. Naturally, Liu Xi was not some righteous saint, so he openly admired the sight of the young girl bathing before him.

Although Qing Lin's body, after being nourished by Liu Xi's specially made "Grain-Avoiding Pill," was no longer as thin and small as when he had first met her, the blue snake scales on her body added an even more bewitching charm.

But after looking for a few moments, Liu Xi found a rock and lay down upon it with his hands behind his head. He softly remarked, "Looks like there's still plenty of room to grow!"

The wind rustled through the leaves. The woods had lost some of their clamor, gaining a touch more tranquility.

Only about ten minutes later, Liu Xi suddenly opened his eyes as he lay on the rock. His expression gradually turned grave. He quickly rose, lightly tapped the ground with his toes, and shot toward Qing Lin, who was still bathing in the lake.

In the lake, Qing Lin was also stunned when she saw Liu Xi suddenly rushing toward her. She opened her mouth and said, "Young Master."

Then, as if realizing something, she raised a hand to cover her burning-red face and silently thought, Could it be that Young Master has finally lost patience and wants to make a move on me? Then... should I submit to Young Master right away, or resist a little before submitting? Ah, it's so hard to choose!

However, Liu Xi had no intention of doing anything to Qing Lin. Upon reaching her, he first scooped her out of the lake, draped his own long robe over her, then held her in his arms and leaped behind a large tree to hide. At the same time, his soul power rippled as he cast an Illusion Technique that completely concealed them both.

Not long afterward, eight female Snake People "walked" over from the path. Through Liu Xi's Soul Perception, he determined that among them were one Dou Wang, three Da Dou Shi, and four Dou Masters.

Sensing this, Liu Xi grumbled inwardly, I was careless this time. I didn't dodge! I only checked that no Snake People were stationed in the oasis before withdrawing my Soul Perception. I never noticed that a group of Female Snake People was heading toward the oasis. How could it be such a coincidence?!

When they reached a spot not far from the lake, the Dou Wang among the Snake People first gave an order to the others. Then she came to the lakeside alone and removed the Black Robe she wore.

Her upper body was a flawless, jade-like form, and her full, perky "Pectoral Muscles" were outrageously exaggerated, proudly exposed to the slightly cool, damp air. Her beautiful face beneath the sunlight was seductive and enchanting, while her gorgeous diamond-shaped eyes shimmered with a springlike, watery allure.

Her lower body was a blue Snake Tail that swayed slightly, exuding a wild, primal charm. Then the blue Snake Tail violently struck the ground, launching her body into the air. She jumped into the lake, splashing up a massive spray of water.

Even Liu Xi, who had seen much in his previous life, could not help but sigh upon witnessing the scene firsthand, though he did not make a fool of himself. How could this Snake Woman's "Pectoral Muscles" be so exaggerated? Judging by her Dou Qi realm, she should be Yue Mei, right? Heh, forget it. I won't clash with her, lest the entire Snake People Race hunt me down. In any case, with my mastery of Illusion Techniques, as long as I conceal my tracks with all my strength, an ordinary Dou Emperor won't be able to find me—unless they possess soul power at the Dou Zong level!

Beside Liu Xi, Qing Lin saw that his gaze was entirely drawn to the Snake Woman bathing in the lake. She looked at the Snake Woman's proud figure, then at her own little buns, and could not help feeling sour. The way she looked at that Snake Woman gained a trace of hostility.