Return to the Northwest Continent

Xiao Yi Xian's news that the Lion Nether Sect was stirring once more was like a giant stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly setting off towering waves in Qing Lin's heart.

"What?! The Lion Nether Sect is expanding again? Their target... could it be the Heavenly Snake Mansion?!"

Qing Lin's pretty face, which had held a trace of joy from her increased strength, drained of color in an instant. Her emerald eyes filled with unconcealable anxiety and worry.

She abruptly rose to her feet, her dress fluttering without wind. The formidable aura of an Eight-Star Dou Venerate even leaked out slightly under the turmoil of her emotions, causing the energy within the main hall to ripple faintly.

Back then, certain elders of the Heavenly Snake Mansion—especially the Great Elder—had intended to force her into marriage with the former Sect Master's son in order to solidify their faction's interests. Refusing to comply, she had fled the sect to seek out Lin Ming.

But honestly, apart from that matter which had disappointed her so deeply, the Heavenly Snake Mansion had indeed shown her immense kindness.

She still remembered how, when Green Barbarian had taken her away, she had only been a little girl at the Dou Master level. Upon arriving at the Heavenly Snake Mansion, she had gained a teacher and become her teacher's personal disciple. The sect's resources had also been heavily tilted in her favor: the best Cultivation Methods, the most precious medicinal pills, the most powerful snake-type Magical Beast companions...

Nearly every resource that could advance her cultivation had been supplied to her first. Her Teacher, the Mansion Master, had taught her everything without reservation and treated her as her own daughter. It was precisely because the Heavenly Snake Mansion had spared no expense in nurturing her that,