Journey to the Snake-People Tribe, Master and Disciple in Prison

Within the Earth Fire Lotus Platform.

Xiao Yan emerged from his cultivation state. The Dou Qi within him was exceptionally solid, showing no trace of having been forcibly raised through external means.

The Fire Spirit Body's efficiency in utilizing fire-attribute energy was simply too extraordinary.

Yao Lao's Soul Body circled Xiao Yan as though examining some kind of monster. Clicking his tongue in amazement, he said, "Yan boy, even though I've seen your physique more than once, it still surprises me every single time."

"From a Four-Star Dou Ling to a One-Star Dou Wang, you only absorbed eleven Earth Fire Lotus Seeds in total. If others learned of your cultivation speed, they'd probably cough up blood from envy."

Xiao Yan habitually rubbed his nose. "I just got lucky."

"Treasure of the Earth Fire Lotus Seed's caliber isn't something one can just come across whenever they please."

Yao Lao immediately shook his head. "Lucky? With your physique's efficiency in utilizing fire-attribute heavenly treasures, raising your cultivation is far too easy. A Dou Wang under eighteen—even across the entire Central Plains, you'd still be among the most outstanding geniuses."

"Besides, once you obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame and absorb it, your strength should rise considerably again."

Xiao Yan nodded and considered it. "Teacher, in my opinion, absorbing a Heavenly Flame might not improve me as much as absorbing Earth Fire Lotus Seeds."

"I can absorb all the energy in the Earth Fire Lotus Seeds, but I can't do the same with a Heavenly Flame. After all, I still need it to raise the level of the Flame Mantra, and I have to retain enough energy to ensure the flame itself does not lose its origin."

Yao Lao found that reasonable as well, so he said, "That's true, but a Heavenly Flame's benefits are not limited to raising your cultivation by a little."

"Combined with the physical enhancement from your body-tempering technique, as well as the new talents it can awaken, it will bring you no small improvement."

"Especially the Green Lotus Core Flame, whose main trait is explosive power. If you use it to awaken a talent, you'll definitely awaken one that greatly boosts your combat strength."

Xiao Yan's eyes gleamed as he grew even more impatient. "Teacher, you're making me unable to wait any longer."

"I wish I could go to the Snake-People Tribe right now and take the Green Lotus Core Flame from Queen Medusa's hands."

Yao Lao smiled and shook his head. His Soul Body flicked Xiao Yan's forehead. "What are you in such a hurry for? She's a magical beast of yin-cold attributes. She would never court death by absorbing something as supremely yang and fierce as a Heavenly Flame."

"And even if she truly did court death, the only outcome would be her body exploding and her death. By then, it would actually take very little effort."

"Besides, what you should be worrying about now is not the Heavenly Flame, but your little maid. She has stayed outside your door for three whole days without leaving, and now she's caught a chill and developed a fever."

"Qing Lin?" Xiao Yan's expression changed. He hurriedly put away the Earth Fire Lotus Platform.

Retracting his soul force, he opened the door. A small head immediately lost its support and bumped against his calf.

Looking down, he saw that it was indeed his little maid, Qing Lin.

She had not even covered herself with a blanket. She sat on the threshold with her head resting against the door, her eyes closed as she dozed lightly.

"Sigh." Xiao Yan rubbed his brow. He understood that this was Qing Lin's extreme lack of security. He had merely given her a little light, yet she had taken him as all the light in her world.

That was why things had become like this—why she clung to him so tightly.

"It seems I need to find a different environment for this little girl. In Stone Desert City, she is surrounded by people who once discriminated against and bullied her. No matter how well I treat her, I can only soothe her unease for a while. I can't cure it at its root." After thinking for a moment, Xiao Yan came up with an idea.

Some time later.

"Young Master, this is all the luggage I have." Qing Lin hugged a small bundle as she answered softly.

Xiao Yan frowned almost imperceptibly. "You don't even have a decent set of clothes or any proper daily necessities."

"Throw all this luggage away. I'll buy you new things. Otherwise, when we go somewhere else, people will see how shabby your belongings are and think I've mistreated you."

Warmth filled Qing Lin's heart. She lowered her voice and said, "There's no need for Young Master to spend so much."

Xiao Yan reached out and gently pinched Qing Lin's little cheek, saying firmly, "Listen to me!"

Qing Lin was immediately left speechless and happily nodded her little head.

Afterward, Xiao Yan took Qing Lin through the various shops of Stone Desert City and bought some necessary daily supplies, clothes, and bedding.

To prevent Qing Lin from receiving any unnecessary hostile looks, Xiao Yan deliberately released the aura of a Dou Wang expert, allowing Qing Lin to happily finish shopping with him.

Looking at Qing Lin laden with bags, Xiao Yan took out an empty Storage Ring. "Put everything in here."

Qing Lin obediently did as told, though she felt a little puzzled. Weren't these things bought for her? Had Young Master Xiao Yan suddenly changed his mind and decided to take them all back?

She was not sad. She merely thought that Young Master Xiao Yan must have had his reasons for doing so.

Yet the next moment, Xiao Yan directly placed that incomparably precious Storage Ring onto her finger.

"Mm, not bad. It looks quite nice." Xiao Yan released Qing Lin's small hand and smiled.

Qing Lin was at a loss. "Young Master, this..."

Xiao Yan directly patted her head, interrupting her. "It's a gift for you. Take good care of it. Otherwise, as my maid, if you don't even have a Storage Ring, others will look down on me."

Hearing Xiao Yan put it that way, Qing Lin was once again unable to say anything.

It did not matter how others treated her, but if she affected Xiao Yan because of herself, she would rather die.

"Thank you, Young Master Xiao Yan." Qing Lin's voice carried even more dependence than before.

Xiao Yan brought Qing Lin back to the mercenary group. After telling his eldest and second brothers that he would take Qing Lin to the Snake-People Tribe, he left.

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li knew Xiao Yan's strength, so they were not overly worried. They merely warned him not to be careless.

After making the arrangements, Xiao Yan left Stone Desert City with Qing Lin and flew toward the Snake-People Tribe.

Snake-People Tribe.

Inside the prison, Nalan Yanran sat upright, her expression calm and elegant.

Of course, that was only on the surface.

Because her teacher's rescue had yet to come, she was beginning to panic.

"Why hasn't Teacher come to save me yet? Does she not know that I was captured by the Snake-People Tribe? That must be it."

"Teacher must be searching everywhere for me right now. It will surely take her some time to find the Snake-People Tribe!"

"Yes, that's it, so don't panic. Teacher will definitely come save me!"

"At worst, the Snake-People Tribe knows my identity, so they will surely contact Teacher and demand resources. Don't be anxious, don't panic. I'll be released very soon."

Nalan Yanran continuously brainwashed herself in her heart, and gradually, she truly became less panicked.

Suddenly, she sensed a powerful aura coming from the prison entrance.

Opening her eyes, she saw an exceedingly beautiful figure enter her field of vision.

She had never seen such a beautiful figure before. Every part of her body seemed to have been meticulously sculpted by the heavens, without the slightest flaw.

Even though they were both women, Nalan Yanran felt as if her heart had skipped a beat.

"Your Majesty, she is being held here. Please follow me."

Nalan Yanran watched the Snake-People Tribe member who usually treated her coldly, the one in charge of the prison, speak so respectfully to that beautiful figure.

She quickly reacted, thinking, Queen? Could she be the Snake-People Tribe's leader, Queen Medusa?!

Why would she come to the prison? Is it because of me? Did Teacher approach her?

Yes, Teacher must have found the Snake-People Tribe and is using resources to exchange for me. That's why Medusa came personally to take me out!

Joy flashed through Nalan Yanran's eyes.

But then she saw that as Queen Medusa passed her cell, she merely gave her a faint glance before walking on and stopping at the cell next to hers.

Queen Medusa looked at the person in the neighboring cell, her cool voice carrying an innate seductiveness.

"How have you been these past days, Sect Master Yun Yun?"