Green Savage, Elder of the Heavenly Snake Mansion

After receiving the captain's permission, the Experts of the Desert Iron Mercenary Group split into two parties. One went to the major cities to search for the medicinal materials on the list and purchase every item they could find.

The other surrounded the Sand Mercenary Group headquarters. Those who stubbornly resisted were all slaughtered, while those who surrendered were incorporated into the militia and made to serve the mercenary group once more.

In just one day, the Desert Iron Mercenary Group and another mercenary group had divided the Sand Mercenary Group's wealth and resources between them.

At the same time, they found Jiang Cheng many of the medicinal materials on the list. However, a few were simply too rare and could only be found deep within the Tagor Desert, leaving them powerless to obtain them.

Jiang Cheng nodded in satisfaction and gave Xiao Ding the required commission, along with the gold coins for the medicinal materials.

Xiao Ding grinned from ear to ear. A mission that required no bloodshed was truly comfortable.

"Many thanks, Mister Confucian Sage."

Jiang Cheng waved his hand. "No matter. However, I have one more matter that I hope you two will agree to."

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li glanced at each other, then cupped their fists together. "Please speak, sir."

"Qing Lin is exceptionally gifted. Though her bloodline is impure, she possesses the rare Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. Therefore, I wish to take Qing Lin with me so that she may cultivate by my side."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ding immediately frowned. Though he knew Qing Lin was unusual, he had never heard of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and could not help casting Jiang Cheng a curious look.

"Sir, about this... I will need to ask Qing Lin what she wants."

"No problem."

Jiang Cheng nodded. He had never forced others to do anything. If she did not wish to leave with him, he would not forcibly take her away.

He was not some bandit.

Before long, Qing Lin hurried back. After hearing the captain's explanation, she gently bit her lower lip and said reluctantly, "Captain, I..."

"Qing Lin, this is something you must consider for yourself. Will you remain here, or follow sir and see a broader continent?"

Xiao Ding's words deeply moved Qing Lin's heart. What would that broader continent be like?

"Don't worry. Although we have not known sir for long, we can tell that he is a good person."

Qing Lin's heart trembled. Her cherry lips moved slightly as she said, "I'm sorry, Captains. Qing Lin won't be able to remain by your sides in the future."

Hearing Qing Lin's words, the two captains chuckled. Though they were reluctant to part with her, seeing that Qing Lin would have a future where she could grow was enough to satisfy them.

"Then let us depart."

Jiang Cheng turned around and said, "From this day forward, you are my disciple. Cultivate diligently and break through the shackles of humanity as soon as possible."

"Mm."

Watching the figures depart, Xiao Ding let out a long breath. After spending so many years together, sending Qing Lin off like this still left him somewhat reluctant.

There would be no one left to serve tea and water.

After the group left, two figures closely followed behind them. Clearly, they had also come for Qing Lin.

On the outskirts of the Tagor Desert, the Ice Emperor Hai Bodong had already been waiting for a long time. With the full support of the Snake People Tribe, the remaining medicinal materials on Jiang Cheng's list had also been gathered.

"I say, little brother, aren't you taking far too long?"

When the Ice Emperor saw Jiang Cheng return, he immediately complained about his speed. He had waited an entire night before Jiang Cheng finally came back.

"The journey was long, so I was delayed somewhat. Elder Hai, how are the medicinal materials in your possession?"

Hai Bodong took out a Storage Ring and handed it over. "Everything you need is in here. But you have to refine the Fu Ling Zi Pill for me, or Old Man's efforts will have been for nothing."

"No problem."

Jiang Cheng readily agreed. Refining a Fu Ling Zi Pill would be easy enough.

As long as the medicinal materials were sufficient, he could successfully refine the Fu Ling Zi Pill.

The Ice Emperor looked at the little girl behind Jiang Cheng and could not help asking, "What is the meaning of this? Why did you bring back a descendant of the Snake People Tribe and humans as well?"

As a Dou Emperor, he could see that Qing Lin's bloodline was mixed. With a single glance, he recognized her as a hybrid of the Snake People Tribe and humans.

Jiang Cheng introduced her, "This is my newly accepted disciple, Qing Lin. From now on, she will cultivate alongside me."

Upon hearing this, the Ice Emperor could not help frowning. He had actually accepted her as his disciple. Little Brother Jiang Cheng might have ulterior motives.

However, Hai Bodong said nothing. He would simply get used to it.

The Folding Fan in Jiang Cheng's hand slowly opened. Wearing a faint smile, he said, "Since you are here, come out. Sneaking around is not your style."

"Hm?"

Hai Bodong frowned. "Jiang Cheng, what is wrong with you? Why are you talking nonsense?"

Yet before his words had even faded, two figures appeared abruptly outside the shop. At their head was a full-figured woman. However, her appearance was rather rough, and her voice did not match her figure either.

"Hehe, as expected of Mister Confucian Sage. Your well-deserved reputation is indeed no exaggeration."

"It has been many years since we last met. You are still as elegant as ever."

The newcomer was none other than Green Savage, an elder of the Heavenly Snake Mansion. The other possessed only the strength of a Dou Wang, yet she too was an elder of the Heavenly Snake Mansion, named Qing Ping and commonly known as Elder Qing.

The two formed a striking contrast. Elder Qing possessed a seductive figure, and every word and gesture of hers exuded charm, whereas Green Savage was somewhat burly and gave people the feeling that she could be one of the brothers.

Green Savage stepped forward. "Green Savage of the Heavenly Snake Mansion greets Mister Confucian Sage."

"Elder Lu Man, there is no need for such formality. Your Supreme Elder is still around, I presume?"

One had to know that throughout the entire Northwest Continent, Dou Venerates were already considered peak Experts. Heavenly Snake Manor had a Dou Venerate guarding it, so even in the Central Plains, it could not be considered a minor faction.

Lu Man replied, "The elder is well. It is just that she often thinks of you, yet you have been delayed in returning."

Jiang Cheng smiled. A few years ago, when he had passed through Heavenly Snake Manor, he had become acquainted with their Dou Venerate Expert. She had been a young and beautiful woman, tall and shapely, with looks that could only be called breathtaking.

Her strength had been terrifying as well. Back then, he had nearly lost to her.

However, Jiang Cheng had been occupied with other matters at the time and had left in a hurry. Several years had now passed, and he had already advanced to the Dou Saint realm. His strength had soared by leaps and bounds.

Queen Medusa's brows drew tightly together. She knew of Heavenly Snake Manor's reputation as well, but why had they appeared here?

"Elder Lu Man, you came today for Qing Lin, didn't you?"

"Hehe, as expected, nothing can be hidden from Mister Confucian Sage." Lu Man smiled and said with great respect, "After the First Elder learned of this matter, he paid it particular attention. He therefore sent me to confirm whether she truly possesses the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils."

"If so... I hope you can make things convenient for me and allow me to take Qing Lin back for training."

"With Heavenly Snake Manor behind her, we guarantee that she will not be harmed in the slightest," Lu Man said softly.