The Road to the Empress

"Don't underestimate him," Xuan Kongzi said with a smile.

"What kind of figure is Senior Shennong? He has roamed the continent for a thousand years and seen more geniuses than one could count. Yet in all these years, the only disciple he has personally taught is Wei Jiangyuan before us. The implications and expectations behind that are not something we can fathom."

"Of course, even if there were no deeper meaning, given Wei Jiangyuan's contributions to the Pill Tower during the Pill Convention, even if he wanted to stay in the Pill Tower forever, we would be obligated to make proper arrangements for him."

"Yes, but it's a pity that the one with the greatest merit has already..." Qiu Ling trailed off, unable to continue.

"Yes."

"The Pill Tower owes Xiao Yan a favor—a tremendous favor it will never be able to repay..."

Netherworld Swamp, on the outskirts of the Nine Serene Deepground Python Clan's territory.

Qing Lin stood quietly at the prow of the flying serpent vessel. Today, she was not wearing her usual elegant green dress, but a fitted dark green outfit patterned with fine snake scales. It outlined her increasingly mature and striking figure while adding a chill that blended with the gloomy surroundings.

Yao Huang stood respectfully slightly behind and to Qing Lin's side. By now, he had completely shed the slovenly appearance he had worn when telling fortunes on the streets of Holy Pill City. His ragged robes had been replaced by a well-tailored black brocade robe, embroidered with intricate serpentine patterns in subtle silver thread, understated yet carrying an ancient majesty.

Yao Huang was the fortune-teller who had specifically observed Qing Lin in Holy Pill City that day and "helped" her along.

"Elder Yao Huang, roughly how many people in the Nine Serene