Plans Moved Ahead

Golden Roc Saint Yu Xiaoran sat in the center, while the beautiful woman behind him sat quietly with her eyes lowered, her dark green wide sleeves embroidered with a golden roc spreading its wings.

"My second sister is currently in seclusion, breaking through to a higher level, and is unable to receive guests." Ji Xueruo lightly tapped the jade table with her fingertips, causing the chilled plum juice on it to ripple slightly. "I apologize for not greeting you sooner, Holy Son."

A fleeting hint of disappointment flashed in Yu Xiaoran's eyes, quickly replaced by a gentle smile, "Clan Chief Xue Ruo, there's no need for such formality. A breakthrough is indeed a significant event. Although I've never met your sister, I've long admired her. I imagine she's as beautiful and intelligent as Clan Chief Xue Ruo. Past events will naturally fade from memory."

The so-called "past events" naturally refers to the rumors circulating outside that Ji Lingruo and You Su had an unusual relationship. He said this to comfort Ji Xueruo, as long as the snake clan kept a low profile, the turmoil brought by You Su would not affect the snake clan for the time being. However, his good intentions made Ji Xueruo feel nauseous.

"I haven't asked this distinguished guest's identity yet, for fear of not being able to provide adequate hospitality." Ji Xueruo had no choice but to steer the conversation toward the beautiful woman behind the Holy Son.

"She is Yu Wanyue, a newly appointed elder of our clan. My father thought that since there are many women in the snake clan, he sent a female elder to pay her a visit, so that there would be less need for taboo."

"The Holy Son is thoughtful."

Ji Xueruo clearly heard that it was the Golden Peng Clan's idea, but she still thanked the Holy Son before her. This understanding pleased Yu Xiaoran greatly, and he said again:

"That's only right. To be honest, she and Elder Liu are old acquaintances."

Yu Xiaoran and raised his glass to toast, but then, seeing Yu Wanyue staring at him, he couldn't drink and immediately lost interest.

He felt that it was such a beautiful time to chat with a lovely lady, but to have tea instead of wine was really disappointing. However, he dared not disobey his father's instructions, after all, he had a very important mission to carry out on this trip to the snake clan.

Ji Xueruo looked at Granny Liu sitting beside her with some surprise. Granny Liu's hand holding the snake-headed staff tightened slightly, her knuckles turning white from the force, but her gaze remained gentle as it fell on Yu Wanyue.

"Fellow Daoist Yu's charm surpasses even that of the past. It's been a century since we last met, and you've already achieved the Perfection of Feather Transformation. It's truly enviable." Granny Liu's voice carried a hint of emotion. The years had left faint wrinkles on her face, creating a stark contrast with Yu Wanyue's still beautiful appearance.

Yu Wanyue smiled slightly, her dark green wide sleeves gently brushing against the table. "Junior Sister Liu Non-Self beyond what we can achieve."

As they spoke, the two exchanged a smile, as if they had returned to a hundred years ago, to the time when they were both at the Water Condensation Perfection and studying at the sacred mountain.

Now, one is a newly promoted elder of the Golden Peng Clan, in the prime of his life; the other is the Great Elder of the Snake Clan, already showing signs of aging.

So the same smile, but different feelings.

But regardless of their past, they still had to maintain a facade of harmony. They drank tea instead of wine, clinking glasses and exchanging pleasantries.

During the meal, Yu Xiaoran suddenly put down her jade cup and sighed softly, "The tea and food are delicious, but I feel they lack a certain liveliness."

"Oh? Does the Holy Son feel something's missing—that vibrant energy?" Ji Xueruo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yu Xiaoran's eyes reflected the young clan leader's ethereal beauty, and the image of the snake women's slender waists, encased in their tightly wrapped gauze skirts, floated into her mind, causing a faint smile to appear on her lips.

"I've heard that the women of the snake tribe are all incredibly beautiful. Would you be so kind as to invite a few talented singers and dancers to perform a dance to enhance the enjoyment?"

The hall fell silent. The snake women standing nearby exchanged bewildered glances. The good impression they had built up earlier because of Yu Xiaoran gifts vanished instantly.

Ji Xueruo was furious inside, but her face remained calm.

She thought to herself that Ao Yu was right after all; Yu Xiaoran demeanor hadn't lasted long before his true nature was revealed. Dancing to entertain at a banquet was normal, but it was inappropriate for him to propose to her, a woman from the snake clan. Because the snake clan was not one that used beauty to please others.

Perhaps he meant no harm and simply wanted to have some fun, but it was enough to show that this holy son looked down on the snake race from the bottom of his heart, which is why he subconsciously said such disrespectful words.

"You flatter me, Holy Son. We snake women are either working hard for survival or cultivating to become stronger every day, and we are really not good at singing and dancing."

Yu Xiaoran thought Ji Xueruo being reserved and wanted to say a few more words of advice, but was interrupted by Yu Wanyue behind her:

"I had long heard that the Serpent Clan, under the leadership of Clan Chief Xue Ruo, was showing signs of revival. Now, seeing that not a single one of them is indulging in pleasure, I know that this is no mere rumor."

"Elder Wanyue, you flatter me. The Snake Clan is unworthy of such praise." Ji Xueruo suddenly raised her eyes, a sly glint in them. "However, although my Snake Clan has no songs or dances, we have other things worth appreciating. If the Holy Son does not mind, you may stay a few more days, so that I may fulfill my duty as a host and allow you to experience the beauty of the Snake Clan."

A hint of surprise flashed in Yu Xiaoran's eyes, then he burst into laughter. "Clan Chief Xue Ruo's invitation is most welcome to me."

His gaze fell on Ji Xueruo, and his smile deepened. "I've long heard my father say that the Snake Clan is thriving and that we should learn more from them. Today, I'll have to see for myself."

After the banquet, the moonlight, like a veil, shone on Yu Xiaoran's bedchamber.

The Golden Peng Clan who accompanied us to deliver the gifts today have all returned home, except for Yu Xiaoran and Yu Wanyue, who stayed at the Snake Clan as guests.

Yu Xiaoran leaned against the carved bed, toying with a snake-shaped jade pendant in her hand, her gaze fixed on Yu Wanyue with a hint of brazenness.

"Well, Elder Wanyue, how much strength does this snake clan still possess?"

Yu Wanyue lowered her eyes, forcibly suppressing the unrestrained gaze that kept wandering over her, and said in a low voice:

"The Serpent Clan has a strong foundation, with three elders at the mid-stage of the Feather Transformation Realm, and their average strength is at the Water Condensing Lower Realm."

"You can't beat him?" Yu Xiaoran asked with a smirk.

"Conquering the Serpent Clan Non-Self alone." Yu Wanyue glared back sharply. "With the troops lying in wait outside, taking down the Serpent Clan is a piece of cake. The key is whether it's worth it."

Yu Xiaoran suddenly chuckled, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes. "Worth it, of course it's worth it. Regardless of the snake clan's accumulated wealth over thousands of years, the snake clan has at least three things that are enough to make our clan take action."

Yu Wanyue raised an eyebrow. "A Snake Blood Pool, an active volcano, what else is there?"

Yu Xiaoran's gaze was intense, a wicked smile playing on his lips as he held the snake-shaped jade pendant in his hand with obvious delight.

"The third thing... is the beautiful women of this tribe."

A look of disdain settled on Yu Wanyue face. "I thought you would say it was their Demon Core."

"The person is mine, and so is the Demon Core, isn't it?" Yu Xiaoran sneered.

Upon hearing this, Yu Wanyue's disdain deepened. Looking down at the carefree Holy Son, her eyes held only disgust, yet she still solemnly reminded him:

"This snake clan chief is much younger than you, yet her cultivation is on par with yours, both at the Water Condensing Upper Realm. She is truly a promising talent. If possible, let them go; the benefits they can bring to the Golden Peng Clan far outweigh these few Demon Core."

"You want to plead for them? Yu Wanyue! Don't forget how you acquired your cultivation!" Yu Xiaoran suddenly revealed a ferocious smile, even as he looked up at the female immortal, he made no attempt to hide the greed in his eyes. "I advise you not to forget your place either. After this matter is settled, you will be mine too!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Wanyue's delicate body stiffened, her chest heaving, as if resigned to her fate, and she let out a long breath:

"Walls have ears, keep your voice down."

At this moment, she couldn't even distinguish the essential difference between herself, who enjoyed the riches and honors of a prestigious family, and this fellow Daoist Liu from a minor clan.

The next day, as dawn broke.

After Yu Xiaoran got up, Ji Xueruo was already waiting outside his bedroom.

People generally believe that the snake clan chieftain is hiding her true strength, but he didn't sense it at all. Instead, he felt that it was all a misunderstanding of the beautiful clan chieftain by the world.

Feeling greatly satisfied, he calmly traversed the snake clan's territory under Ji Xueruo's guidance, with Yu Wanyue accompanying him throughout.

Yu Xiaoran's gaze was mostly focused on the beautiful snake women, and he would often cast a smile at them, thinking himself charming.

But Yu Wanyue was clearly not someone like Yu Xiaoran who indulged in frivolous pursuits. Every step she took seemed casual, but in fact, it concealed hidden secrets. Her keen eyes captured every detail around her, not letting go of any clue that might reveal the secrets of the snake clan. Every time she went to a new place, every time she noticed something unusual, she silently remembered it in her heart, as if gradually piecing together a mysterious jigsaw puzzle in the dark.

Soon, another day had passed.

"Chief Ji," Yu Xiaoran suddenly bowed respectfully, "Your Snake Clan is truly breathtakingly beautiful. I, however, am quite fascinated by this volcano, as I reside on the Divine Mountain. I wonder if we could ascend Snake Mountain for a visit tomorrow?"

Ji Xueruo's smile faltered slightly. "The snake clan dislikes heat, and this Snake Mountain is basically neglected. In the event of an eruption, the earth would shake violently. It would be more prudent for you two distinguished guests to remain in the clan and enjoy tea."

She raised her hand and waved it lightly, and several snake women filed in, carrying celadon teacups. The aroma of tea was mixed with a faint smell of sulfur.

"It's late and the dew is heavy, you two should rest early." Ji Xueruo's voice startled Yu Wanyue from her reverie. After the snake women left, only the two members of the Golden Peng Clan remained in the bedchamber.

Yu Xiaoran lay casually on the bed, while Yu Wanyue frowned in confusion.

"What's wrong with you?" Yu Xiaoran asked, pursing her lips.

"I feel something's off." Yu Xiaoran had already quietly set up a soundproofing Technique Method.

"It's just a volcano, how much difference can it make? It's the same whether you see it or not. Come here, give me a shoulder massage first."

Yu Xiaoran's nonchalant attitude made Yu Wanyue grit her teeth, but she still advised, "Since it's the same whether we see it or not, why does she insist on not letting us see it? This reaction is a bit over the top, it's more like... there's a secret hidden in this Snake Mountain."

Yu Xiaoran was taken aback at first, then a glint of light flashed in her eyes. "Go and investigate, and make a hiding place!"

Although Yu Wanyue was displeased with the Holy Son's imperious manner, she had no choice but to calm herself and disappear into the night. She transformed into a shadowy figure, skimming along the rooftops without disturbing a single green leaf.

With a cultivation level at the peak of the Feather Transformation stage, one could go wherever one wanted within the snake clan if one wished to conceal it.

However, just when Yu Wanyue thought she could successfully reach the top of Snake Mountain, she suddenly sensed an aura nearby.

The clear sound of the snake-headed staff striking the ground reached her ears, and she immediately stopped, not daring to go any further.

To her surprise, Fellow Daoist Liu was already waiting at Snake Mountain. Exploring beyond Fellow Daoist Liu's reach was clearly impossible. Not wanting to alert him, she had no choice but to retreat immediately before being exposed.

Just then, the active volcano suddenly emitted a column of red smoke, and in the sulfurous mist, the outline of a bamboo hut was revealed near the crater.

Yu Wanyue's gaze faltered slightly, but her heart pounded wildly.

"A bamboo hut?" Yu Xiaoran suddenly sat up from the soft couch. "There's actually a bamboo hut near the crater of Snake Mountain?"

Yu Wanyue remained silent in response, while Yu Xiaoran paced back and forth, analyzing to herself. "The snake clan's bloodline is yin, and they need Ice Room to cool off near volcanoes. Even they themselves say that Snake Mountain is useless and never maintain it. So how could a snake woman live in the crater?"

"Then... there's only one possibility!" His eyes suddenly sharpened, like an eagle eyeing its prey. "That place isn't for the snake women at all! She doesn't let us visit Snake Mountain because she doesn't want us to discover this person!"

Yu Wanyue remained silent, because the Holy Son's speculation was essentially the same as her own thoughts.

"Who do you think it could be?"

Yu Xiaoran suddenly chuckled, a laugh tinged with the restlessness of churning lava. He strolled to the window, gazing at the lingering crimson clouds over Snake Mountain in the distance, the Golden Roc Feather Sword in his sleeve humming excitedly.

"Her younger sister, Ji Lingruo, hasn't shown herself yet, probably to prevent this from happening today. I never expected that You Su would actually hide in Japan! And right in his lover's house! It's true that the most dangerous place is the safest place. But didn't he consider that if he were exposed, his entire clan would be implicated!"

He became more and more excited as he spoke, as if he could already see the moment when he would regain his father's approval after capturing You Su, the wanted Evil Demon of the Five Continents, and help the Golden Peng Clan return to its former glory!

"Send a message to the Golden Peng Guards lying in wait a hundred miles away," he said, his eyes burning with greed as he turned away, "Move the plan forward to tomorrow night. The day after tomorrow, at sunrise, I want them to bring You Su's head to me!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Wanyue frowned and finally spoke, "Shouldn't we confirm first?"

"What else do we need to confirm!" Yu Xiaoran suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Just catching him would be an incredible achievement! Besides him, who else could the snake clan be hiding here?! What if they move him away if we don't act decisively? Can you afford to pay for it?!"

Yu Wanyue was startled by her own holy son's fanatical state, only then realizing how much resentment this once-prodigy had accumulated during his time of severe injury.

"I mean, it's unwise to act rashly after confirming the snake clan's true strength."

"Haven't you been testing them for two days already? What have you figured out? I told you long ago! The snake clan is gradually weakening, and after a thousand years of inheritance, the little wealth accumulated by their ancestors has long been exhausted! Among the entire snake clan, only these alluring women and the Demon Core within their bodies are truly valuable!"

Yu Xiaoran abruptly shook off Yu Wanyue, licked his lips, and said, "Even if it's not You Su hiding there, this Holy Son can't wait any longer!"

I could have written so much more in the prelude chapters before, haha.