The Astonished Queen

The cold underground chamber was filled with colorful light, dispelling the Mystic Ice blue light within and illuminating the entire space in a dreamlike and enchanting way.

The light rapidly expanded, and the slender serpent at its core began to writhe, stretch, and deform violently...

The hard snake scales softened and stretched, transforming into fair and delicate skin. The slender snake body lengthened and plumped, outlining breathtakingly alluring curves. The small head changed, revealing a stunningly beautiful face that could eclipse the heavens and earth.

A stream of seven-colored energy swirled around her, like the most magnificent gauze, eventually coalescing into a purple brocade robe that tightly wrapped around her alluring and captivating body.

The light gradually faded.

On the ice platform, Xiao Yan remained seated cross-legged, his body surging with Fire Energy.

The creature before him was no longer the innocent and adorable little snake.

Instead, she was a tall, graceful woman with a bewitching face, her bare, snow-white feet hovering silently in the air, half a foot away from the ice platform.

Her purple brocade robe accentuated her perfect figure, and her long, flowing black hair cascaded down to her hips.

Her temperament was cold and aloof, like a deity looking down on all living beings from the heavens, carrying an innate nobility and a hint of wildness that had not yet been fully subdued.

It was none other than Queen Medusa, who reigned supreme in the Jia Ma Empire and struck fear into the hearts of countless powerful figures!

Her long, narrow, and alluring eyes slowly opened, no longer the innocent and clear eyes of the Seven-Colored Snake, but like amethyst, shimmering with a cold and profound light. This light swept across the eyes and landed on the young man who was cultivating with his eyes closed in front of him.

In an instant, her expression changed.

That bastard is devouring the Heavenly Flames again!

Looking at the familiar ice cellar environment around her, Queen Medusa remembered the time when Xiao Yan took advantage of her, and her first instinct was to run away.

Unable to kill him and unwilling to be taken advantage of by this brat, even the Medusa of the Snake-Person Tribe could only avoid Xiao Yan at this moment.

She's currently trying to merge with the soul of the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, so she's not very concerned about what's happening outside.

This time, they came out because they noticed the abnormal phenomenon of the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, which had been very concerned about Xiao Yan, losing its focus due to the energy surge within Xiao Yan caused by absorbing the Heavenly Flames.

Although she never gave Xiao Yan a kind look, she was still concerned about his safety. The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python was a fool; when it really came down to helping Xiao Yan, it was Queen Medusa who stepped in!

But judging from the looks of it, Xiao Yan seems to be alright?

Queen Medusa's cold purple eyes fell on Xiao Yan, and as she watched the intertwining of Fire Energy and the surging of his Dou Qi around him, her brows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

"That little rascal... he's getting bolder and bolder."

She scoffed inwardly.

Devouring Heavenly Flames is extremely dangerous. Last time, when Xiao Yan devoured the Fallen Heart Flame, he had to go through a lot of trouble. Now, not long after, he is trying to devour the Sea Heart Flame, which ranks after the Fallen Heart Flame. He doesn't even have a single protector, yet he dares to go into seclusion alone in this place.

The azure light and vast energy fluctuations emanating from Xiao Yan's body, belonging to the Sea Heart Flame, made even Dou Zong like her clearly feel the pressure.

She wanted to leave this icy place that reminded her of "bad" memories immediately, but her steps seemed to be held back by invisible threads.

At the same time, the lingering worries of the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python stubbornly lingered deep within her consciousness, preventing her from decisively withdrawing.

"Hmph, I just don't want to see this stupid snake's chosen master blow himself to bits because of his recklessness, forcing me to wander around with this stupid snake."

Queen Medusa found a reasonable excuse for herself in her heart, arrogantly raised her chin, but her gaze never left Xiao Yan for a moment.

She casually conjured a chair with her Dou Qi, then gently placed her jade-like buttocks on it and sat down, her fair and slender legs crossed together, as alluring and seductive as a snake's tail.

"I will not take advantage of someone in distress. Although this little rascal's cultivation speed is indeed very fast, it is his skill to improve his strength in such a suicidal way. You don't need to worry about what I will do to him."

Seeing Xiao Yan's calm and composed demeanor, like an old monk in meditation, Queen Medusa's eyes gleamed with seven-colored light as she communicated with the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python.

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she ultimately stayed here, once again acting as Xiao Yan's protector, silently guarding him.

Inside the secret chamber, the eerie blue light of Mystic Ice intertwined with the azure flames of the Heavenly Flames, illuminating Xiao Yan's resolute profile and outlining the silent silhouette of the alluring figure beside him.

This proud Medusa of the Snake-Person Tribe, the only one who witnessed Xiao Yan risking his life three times to cultivate with Heavenly Flames, ultimately stayed behind, silently acting as the last barrier in this perilous advancement—though she would never admit it, in essence, she herself was willing to "protect" him.

Because of Xiao Yan's astonishing strength, which greatly boosted the Xiao Family's confidence, Xiao Zhan began to implement the relocation plan in an orderly manner shortly after the coming-of-age ceremony, following the detailed overall plan for the Xiao Family outlined by Xiao Yan.

Two months after her coming-of-age ceremony, Xiao Yu passed the entrance examination for the Jia Nan Academy and embarked on her journey to the Jia Nan Academy, carrying Xiao Yan's Student Union President Token and the Fire Crystal Card containing a massive amount of Fire Energy.

Unfortunately, Xiao Yan was unable to come out of seclusion to see her, which she found quite regrettable.

But she also knew that Jia Nan Academy was an important stop on her journey to catch up with that dazzling figure.

With the Dou Technique and cultivation insights given to her by Xiao Yan, she was confident and determined to make a name for herself in that place teeming with geniuses!

After sending off those clansmen qualified to enter Jia Nan Academy, the Xiao Family's large-scale migration began.

After the Second Elder and some elite clansmen went to the Imperial Capital to lay the foundation, Xiao Zhan personally led a large force, including many young members, on a grand journey.

Only the Great Elder, the Third Elder, and some loyal and reliable clansmen remained in Wutan City to maintain the ancestral land's industries and relations with the surrounding areas.

The fact that the military air transport team borrowed from Utan City for this migration alone demonstrates the current status of the Xiao Family. Although this is mostly due to Xiao Yan's influence, it still attracts the attention of countless people in Wutan City and even the cities along the way.

Xiao Mei was naturally in this group as well. Although she felt reluctant to leave, she was full of anticipation, waiting for her "Brother Yan" to finish dealing with the desert affairs and take her to the Misty Cloud Sect.

All of this was within Xiao Yan's expectations, as he was still in seclusion.

However, he doesn't care about these things right now and is focusing on his cultivation.

Deep beneath the Miter Auction House lies the Mystic Ice Chamber.

Two and a half months have passed, and inside the ice cellar, an eerie balance has been formed between extreme cold and terrifying heat.

Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on the ice platform, his body like a furnace constantly emitting icy blue flames.

The refining process within his body is almost complete!

"Boom--!"

A muffled sound emanated from Xiao Yan's body, and the next moment, his aura soared like a rocket!

Peak Eight-Star Dou Wang... Nine-Star Dou Wang... Peak Nine-Star Dou King!

The moment he reached his peak, a terrifying pressure far exceeding that of Dou Wang suddenly erupted!

"Snap! Snap!"

The walls of Mystic Ice surrounding the secret chamber, which were as solid as refined steel, actually cracked with spiderweb-like fissures under the impact of this pressure and shockwave!

The entire underground space was shaking violently.

"Break!"

Xiao Yan suddenly opened his eyes, his pupils seemingly burning with azure flames!

He let out a low roar, guiding the immense energy refined from the Sea Heart Flame within his body, and launched a final attack against the incomparably solid Dou Emperor barrier!

"Bang--!!!"

The invisible barrier that had hindered him for so long shattered like an eggshell in the face of such immense power!

In an instant, a vast aura swept out from Xiao Yan!

The temperature inside the sealed chamber suddenly soared to a terrifying level, as if the air itself were about to ignite, and the remaining Mystic Ice melted and evaporated at a visible speed!

If this place weren't deep underground and reinforced by Hai Bodong's ice-type Dou Qi, the entire Miter Auction House would probably have been turned upside down by the commotion of this breakthrough!

"Hmph! This little rascal, making such a commotion, is he trying to bury himself alive?"

A cold, sharp rebuke rang out, and then Queen Medusa, who had been staring blankly at Xiao Yan for who knows how long, finally moved.

Her hands flew, forming hand seals with nimble, slender fingers moving like butterflies flitting among flowers. Instantly, an invisible Spatial Strength spread out, sealing off the space within the ice cellar and locking the raging energy storm and terrifying heat firmly within Xiao Yan's small ice cellar.

However, after doing all this, Queen Medusa frowned slightly, her amethyst-like eyes fixed on the figure whose aura was constantly rising at the center of the energy storm, her expression complex and unfathomable.

Is he at the peak of Two-Star Dou Emperor?

This little rascal is getting stronger and stronger. If this keeps up, I really won't be able to beat him!

What alarmed her even more was that the aura Xiao Yan was emanating at this moment not only far surpassed that of Dou Huang expert of the same level, but also carried a destructive aura originating from a Heavenly Flames that made her feel a sense of unease.

Moreover, his already formidable physical body seemed to have advanced even further after breaking through to the Dou Emperor, radiating a terrifying aura of power.

At the same time, the soul of the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python rejoiced deep within her soul's sea of consciousness, conveying pure joy and attachment to Xiao Yan.

This made Queen Medusa's already complicated feelings even more chaotic.

She had experienced the pain of devouring Heavenly Flames, so she could better understand the danger behind Xiao Yan's crazy actions.

Even so, Xiao Yan kept repeating the same mistakes, using the method of devouring Heavenly Flames to accelerate his cultivation.

A fourteen-year-old boy cultivating so diligently—even if he were a lecherous little devil, he should at least be considered a dashing young man shouldering a tremendous responsibility. How could he be considered a lecherous little devil?

Every time she saw Xiao Yan, her icy heart would ripple like a stone thrown into a still lake, spreading out in circles of waves she herself was unwilling to acknowledge.

The little guy's tenacity truly earned her respect.

After an unknown amount of time, the energy storm within the sealed chamber finally subsided.

The raging flames and energy storm finally receded back into Xiao Yan's body.

Xiao Yan slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, the heat so intense that it slightly distorted the small patch of space in front of him.

Feeling the surging Dou Qi within his body, and the Sea Heart Flame that had already merged into the Myriad Beast Lotus Heart Flame, a satisfied smile finally appeared on his lips.

As for the Flame Mantra, it has reached the pinnacle of the high- Advanced Earth Tier.

In terms of effect, it is comparable to Quasi-Heaven Tier cultivation technique.

All he needs to do next is devour and refine any one of the Heavenly Flames, and the Flame Mantra will directly reach the level of a true Heaven Tier cultivation technique.

This retreat has been incredibly successful!

After composing himself, Xiao Yan finally looked up at the alluring beauty sitting in the chair with her legs crossed.

Queen Medusa leaned back lazily in her chair, her purple brocade robe accentuating her snow-white skin. Her exquisite beauty was further enhanced by the cold light reflected from the surrounding Mystic Ice.

However, the purple eyes that were staring at him no longer held the usual malice and coldness, but instead held a complex and unfathomable emotion.

Regardless, this beautiful woman had protected him for over two months, so Xiao Yan naturally wouldn't leave empty-handed. He immediately stood up, stretched his limbs, and then, with a sincere smile on his face, clasped his hands in greeting:

"Thank you so much, Your Medusa, for protecting me these past few days."

"What?" Queen Medusa ignored Xiao Yan's gratitude, her voice remaining cold and unreadable. "This time, there are no so-called aftereffects of the fusion of Heavenly Flames?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan was also taken aback.

Oh right, why were there no aftereffects this time?

He didn't take the Jade Heart Pill this time.

Thinking of this, Xiao Yan quickly examined himself internally. After a thorough investigation, he realized that he had become immune to the so-called aftereffects of fusion.

After all, this was the third time that Fused Heavenly Flame. Compared to the flame formed by the fusion of the three Heavenly Flames within Xiao Yan's body, the Sea Heart Flame was simply not capable of competing with it, and its impact was much smaller. In addition, Xiao Yan's body had already adapted to accommodating multiple Heavenly Flames, so the so-called aftereffects of Heavenly Flames fusion were unlikely to occur.

Unless Xiao Yan fuses with another Heavenly Flames ranked higher than the Red Lotus Karma Flame, he might be able to experience the aftereffects of Heavenly Flames fusion again.

However, Queen Medusa's attitude towards me seems to have changed somewhat...

Xiao Yan noticed the subtle change in Queen Medusa's eyes and gleaned some clues from her words. His heart stirred slightly, but his expression darkened. He then secretly activated his Dou Qi, making his face flush red and his breathing become heavier. He slowly took a step towards Queen Medusa.

???

Seeing Xiao Yan's reaction, Queen Medusa's expression changed.

You shut your mouth, you'll learn your lesson for talking nonsense!

What are you trying to do?!

Seeing Xiao Yan walking towards her, Queen Medusa could no longer sit still. She stood up and said with a grim expression.

"..."

Xiao Yan remained silent, only continuing to approach.

"Damn it, didn't you refine pills before?!"

Seeing Xiao Yan staring at her with eyes full of desire, devoid of any purity, Queen Medusa felt completely horrified.

She could already recall the embarrassing scene of Xiao Yan grabbing her and making her kiss him so passionately.

"It's all gone."

Xiao Yan's answer was not convincing at all.

"Bullshit! I saw you had three pills left in that bottle last time!"

Queen Medusa's face turned ashen, her fists clenched tightly.

She could tell perfectly well that this little rascal was deliberately refusing to take the pills this time!

She desperately wanted to stab Xiao Yan, but the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python wouldn't allow it.

What's even more outrageous is that she wanted to change back, Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python wouldn't let her!

What kind of snake is that?!

So, she could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yan pounced on her, and then...

"You?"

Queen Medusa was taken aback to find that the boy was simply holding her tightly, but he was behaving himself properly and not making any unwanted advances. Even the embrace was not forceful or overly affectionate; instead, it carried a gentle quality.

Queen Medusa, who had never experienced this feeling before, was momentarily stunned, but her body reacted instinctively, wrapping its arms around Xiao Yan's waist.

However, she felt deeply confused:

What does he mean by that?