Three-Star Dou Ancestor

"This is my clan's small world... Forget it, you wouldn't understand even if I told you."

Shi Kang had originally wanted to brag about how awesome the Stone Clan was, but seeing Medusa's ignorant expression, he felt like he was playing music to a cow. In an instant, he lost all desire to continue.

The Dou God Clans were simply too mysterious. They were like Giant Dragons hidden within the clouds, almost all residing in their own small worlds, cut off from the outside world. Moreover, every member of these clans was incredibly arrogant, disdaining communication with those who lacked the Dou God Bloodline, as though even speaking to them would lower their status.

It was perfectly normal that Medusa had never heard of the Stone Clan. Even natives of Central Continent would not know of such terrifying existences as the Dou God Clans unless they had reached a certain level.

In their eyes, Central Continent was already the heart of this continent, home to countless experts and factions.

The One Hall, One Tower, Two Sects, Three Valleys, and Four Pavilions were merely the forces visible on the surface.

They had no idea that such mysterious and powerful Dou God Clans were hidden within this very core.

"Just how strong is your clan?"

Medusa was truly curious. Perhaps it was because of Shi Kang that she was filled with curiosity toward this mysterious man; or perhaps she genuinely wanted to learn more about things she had never encountered before. After all, she had always lived on the Northwest Continent and knew very little about the world beyond it.

"Not enough compared to those above, but more than enough compared to those below," Shi Kang said blandly.

It was inferior to the Soul Clan. There was no need to mention the Soul Clan's true strength—they could casually wipe out the Stone Clan now. But compared to forces that were not Dou God Clans, it was more than superior. To ordinary factions, the Stone Clan was an existence forever beyond their reach.

Medusa sensed her surroundings slightly and discovered that the Dou Qi here was incredibly dense. If she could cultivate here, she would definitely become stronger...

Medusa said, "You said you wanted to nurture me, so will I have to stay here from now on?"

Shi Kang smiled, his face full of amusement. "When did I ever say I wanted to nurture you?"

"Then why did you bring me back?" Medusa was slightly angry.

"Bringing you back doesn't necessarily mean I want to nurture you. Maybe I thought you were pretty enough and wanted to bring you back to keep as a vase?" Shi Kang continued teasing her. "Besides, before evolving, you already agreed to follow me."

Medusa answered succinctly, "This Queen agreed to follow you, not to become a vase. Besides, you don't lack women."

Men with powerful strength and backgrounds never lacked women. Medusa naturally understood that.

Shi Kang chuckled. "Looks like you're not stupid after all."

"Hmph!" Medusa snorted coldly.

"You want to become stronger and lead the Snake People Clan out of the desert. I know that, and I can help you accomplish it. To me, it's nothing. But you must also understand that there is no such thing as a free lunch. You need to show me your value and make me feel that you're worth nurturing."

"Otherwise, you should obediently remain a vase."

Compared to Medusa's beauty, Shi Kang valued the help she could bring him in the future more.

That was the main reason he had brought her back.

Did Medusa want to become stronger?

The answer was undoubtedly yes. Her risky attempt to evolve with Heavenly Flames was proof enough.

For the future of the Snake People Clan, she had been willing to risk her life. Such courage and determination were not something ordinary people possessed.

Therefore, even though Shi Kang spoke to Medusa in the tone of a superior, she endured it despite not being used to it—for strength, and for the Snake People Clan.

What was more, before evolving, she had indeed agreed to follow Shi Kang.

"I will become stronger—stronger than you!" Medusa was proud and unwilling to admit defeat by nature, and her voice carried firm determination.

Shi Kang smiled. "I hope so."

Shi Kang was still very confident in his own talent. In any case, he did not believe Medusa could catch up to him.

Then, Medusa transformed back into the Seven-Colored Little Snake.

The Medusa from before had only temporarily gained control of the body.

She still needed some time before she could truly control the body and assume human form.

The Spirit Merging Pill could help Medusa seize control of the body, but Shi Kang did not intend to feed it to her yet.

What a joke. He had finally built a bond with the Seven-Colored Heavenly Swallowing Python—how could he not make use of it?

In order to win over Medusa, Shi Kang did not mind using a few methods to speed things along.

Shi Kang continued cultivating. He felt as though his strength was like a cup on the verge of overflowing, just a little short of reaching Three-Star Dou Ancestor.

If he did not break through, he would feel uncomfortable.

After entering seclusion for another three days, Shi Kang finally broke through to Three-Star Dou Ancestor.

"Mm, it feels like my physical body has become a little stronger again!"

After leaving, Shi Kang wanted to see how Zi Yan and Qing Lin were doing.

When he arrived at Zi Yan's residence, Shi Kang knocked lightly on the door.

Zi Yan was thrilled when she opened the door and saw Shi Kang. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

She had stayed inside her room these past few days and had not dared go out.

It was not that Shi Kang had forbidden her from leaving. Rather, Zi Yan felt that everyone she encountered seemed very strong, and she was afraid of causing trouble for Shi Kang.

"Shi Kang, you have no idea how bored I've been!" Zi Yan was still as lively as ever.

Shi Kang burst into laughter.

Keeping someone with Zi Yan's restless personality cooped up here really was torture for her.

"My fault. I've been busy breaking through lately. Come on, I'll take you around the Stone Realm and help you get familiar with it."

Zi Yan's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Of course. Just treat this place as home from now on."

"Shi Kang, you're such a good person!"

"By the way, Shi Kang, when are we going to find my clan? And last time, you said my clan was very strong. Is that true?" Zi Yan was like a curious child.

"I've already sent people to help look for them, but Ancient Void Dragons are too mysterious. It'll probably take some time to find them."

Zi Yan thought this matter would be difficult and did not want to put pressure on Shi Kang, so she hurriedly said, "It's fine. I'm not in that much of a hurry."

Toward the Ancient Void Dragon Clan that had abandoned her, Zi Yan truly felt neither belonging nor affection. The reason she wanted to find them was merely to ask them why they had abandoned her.

After that, Shi Kang took Zi Yan on a tour of the Stone Realm.

During this time, a few amusing things happened as well.

For example, when they passed the Stone Clan's resource storehouse, Zi Yan kept staring at it. Her eyes glimmered greedily, like a little greedy cat spotting delicious food.

She even wanted Shi Kang to steal from it, leaving him both amused and helpless.

"I'm the Young Clan Leader, and the Clan Leader is my Father. Do I need to steal what I want?"

He was the Stone Clan's Young Clan Leader. Did he need to steal his own clan's things? Wouldn't that make people laugh their heads off?

Zi Yan said, "Hehe, I guess that's true."

Thus, Shi Kang openly brought Zi Yan inside for a look around.

As the Young Clan Leader, Shi Kang still had that much authority.

It was also a good opportunity to let Zi Yan familiarize herself with these things. It would be more convenient when he had her help him find Medicinal Herbs in the future...