Netherworld Poison Flame, Queen Medusa

"Two, four, five, seven."

After pondering for a moment, Fang Ming made his choice.

These four choices complemented one another. The Netherworld Poison Flame paired with the Calamity Poison Body, the Nine-Colored Poison Scripture provided a cultivation method, and a guardian would protect him.

The next moment, the golden fruit suddenly burst forth with dazzling radiance, illuminating the entire dark space as brightly as day.

The light surged into his body like a tide, bringing with it a warm yet profound power.

Red Mountain Academy, Awakening Room.

Fang Ming slowly opened his eyes. A flash of golden light passed through the depths of his pupils before vanishing in an instant.

He sensed that his body had undergone some changes.

Fang Ming extended his right hand, and with a thought—

"Poof."

A ball of green flame appeared out of thin air, burning silently.

The flame not only radiated intense heat, but also carried a cold, ghostly aura, as though it had come from beneath the Nine Hells.

A hint of dark green could vaguely be seen deep within the flame's core, as if it contained deadly poison.

The air around the flame twisted slightly, releasing a suffocating sense of pressure.

"This is... a mutated elemental fire martial soul. Its quality is quite good!"

Su Yuntao's eyes lit up, and he could not help but praise it aloud.

He had overseen awakening ceremonies for many years and seen countless martial souls, but this was the first time he had encountered such a unique mutated martial soul, one with both exceptional fire and poison attributes.

Fang Ming looked at the flame in his palm and understood at once. This was the Netherworld Poison Flame.

Though it was only in its infancy, it contained tremendous potential.

As long as he continued cultivating, it would eventually reveal its true power.

"Come, test your Innate Soul Power."

Su Yuntao impatiently took out a crystal-clear crystal ball.

Fang Ming nodded and gently placed his right hand on it.

"Buzz!"

The crystal ball trembled slightly before erupting with brilliant azure light.

The light was pure and dense, instantly dyeing the entire awakening room deep blue, as if everyone had sunk into the depths of the sea.

"Innate Full Soul Power... Level Ten!"

Su Yuntao cried out in surprise, a radiant smile blooming across his face.

In any era, Innate Full Soul Power was synonymous with genius.

He looked at Fang Ming with blazing eyes, his tone full of eagerness. "Fang Ming, are you interested in joining the Spirit Pagoda?"

Hearing this, Fang Ming did not answer immediately. Instead, he turned to look at Cang Xuan.

Cang Xuan stood to one side, his expression as calm as still water, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Yet he gave a faint nod, tacitly granting his approval.

"Alright, I'll join the Spirit Pagoda."

Fang Ming withdrew his gaze and answered decisively.

Su Yuntao was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly. "Good, good, good! With your talent, you are bound to achieve great things!"

"Once I return to the Spirit Pagoda, I will personally report this matter to the Pagoda Master."

"Thank you, Brother Tao."

Fang Ming spoke sincerely.

Su Yuntao smiled and waved a hand. "It's nothing, just a small matter. If you need help with anything in the future, come find me."

"Deacon Su, I'll leave Red Mountain Academy's awakening ceremony to you."

Cang Xuan spoke lightly, his tone mild yet carrying unquestionable authority.

"Mm."

Su Yuntao restrained his smile and said seriously, "Principal Cang, rest assured. I will properly handle the follow-up matters and will certainly not delay the other children's awakenings."

"Xiao Ming, let's go."

Cang Xuan turned and headed for the door.

"Alright."

Fang Ming quickly followed.

The two walked out of the awakening room, and the middle-aged teacher standing guard outside hurriedly bowed respectfully. "Principal, take care."

"Mm."

Cang Xuan gave a slight nod and left directly with Fang Ming.

Red Mountain Academy, a secluded courtyard.

"Old man, you don't object to me joining the Spirit Pagoda?" Fang Ming could not help asking.

Cang Xuan replied casually, "If you want to join the Spirit Pagoda, then join it. I'm not that particular."

"Besides, it has abundant resources. It isn't a bad thing for you."

"Oh."

Fang Ming nodded, deep in thought.

"This is a piece of Millennium Whale Rubber. Take it and refine it."

Cang Xuan took out a piece of golden Whale Rubber from his storage Soul Tool. Its surface glowed with a gentle sheen and emitted a rich, strange fragrance.

"Alright."

Fang Ming accepted the Whale Rubber and responded.

"Once you refine the Whale Rubber, we'll make a trip to Eastsea City."

Cang Xuan said it casually, his tone flat.

"What are we going to Eastsea City for?"

Fang Ming was somewhat puzzled.

Cang Xuan glanced at him. "Brat, aren't you planning to obtain a soul spirit?"

"Old man, doesn't the Spirit Pagoda in Aolai City have soul spirits?" Fang Ming became even more confused.

"It does, but I'll give you a better one."

Cang Xuan's tone remained calm. "What your brother has, you will have too."

"What?"

Fang Ming froze upon hearing that. "Old man, I have an older brother?"

"Mm."

Cang Xuan nodded, his expression unchanged.

"Then who is my brother? Where is he now?"

Fang Ming pressed on, his heart filled with curiosity and shock.

From childhood until now, the old man had never once mentioned that he had an older brother. Why had he suddenly brought it up today?

"You'll find out when the time comes."

Cang Xuan did not answer, merely speaking faintly. Clearly, he did not intend to say more on the matter.

"Alright, then."

Seeing that Cang Xuan was unwilling to elaborate, Fang Ming did not press further.

He knew the old man's temperament well. If Cang Xuan did not want to say something, no amount of questioning would get it out of him.

"You should refine the Whale Rubber first. There are still some matters at the academy that need handling."

As Cang Xuan spoke, he turned and walked toward the courtyard gate.

"Alright."

Fang Ming nodded and watched him leave.

The courtyard gate closed, and the sound of footsteps gradually faded until it disappeared completely.

"You've watched long enough. Isn't it time to come out?"

Fang Ming suddenly spoke.

The next moment, a graceful figure appeared out of thin air.

The woman was beautiful, beautiful to an almost bewitching degree.

Her wine-red hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, making her snow-white skin appear even more alluring and seductive.

Her pale violet eyes possessed an innate charm, brimming with wicked allure and enchantment, as if a single glance could steal one's soul.

A long dress patterned in vivid colors outlined her exquisite, captivating curves. Its hem fluttered gently in the breeze, revealing a pair of long, fair legs. Her feet were bare and spotless.

"Human, you can sense my presence. Not bad."

The woman's voice was languid and seductive, carrying a natural magnetism that made one's bones feel weak upon hearing it.

After seeing the woman's true face, Fang Ming's heart skipped a beat. He asked uncertainly, "Queen Medusa?"

"Oh, you know me?"

Queen Medusa raised a brow slightly, surprise flashing through her pale violet eyes.

She studied Fang Ming with interest, the corners of her lips curling into an amused smile. "It seems you know quite a lot."

Fang Ming ignored her teasing and asked directly, "Queen Medusa, what is your current strength?"

"Peak Dou Emperor."

Queen Medusa answered casually. She lazily raised a slender finger and played with a lock of hair that had fallen over her shoulder. "Converted to this plane's system, it is roughly at the level of a Second-Level God."

"So that's how it is..."

Fang Ming fell into thought.

He looked at Queen Medusa and continued, "Then what is your current condition?"

"My bloodline has already evolved into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python."

Queen Medusa's tone carried a trace of satisfaction. "However, I need to enter a period of slumber to stabilize my bloodline."

She paused, her gaze falling on Fang Ming as she smiled faintly. "Don't worry. If you encounter mortal danger, I will naturally awaken and save you."

"Alright."

Fang Ming nodded, finally reassured.

A guardian at the Peak Dou Emperor realm was his greatest support.

Moreover, the potential of Queen Medusa's evolved Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline was immeasurable.

After thinking for a moment, Fang Ming spoke again. "I'll give you a name. I can't keep calling you Queen Medusa forever."

"Whatever. I don't care."

Queen Medusa replied faintly, her tone somewhat lazy.

"Cai Lin."

Fang Ming spoke the two words.

Queen Medusa gave a soft snort, neither agreeing nor objecting.

Only her pale violet eyes flickered slightly, as if she were thinking about something.

She asked, "Human, what is your name?"

"Fang Ming."

Fang Ming answered.

"Good."

Queen Medusa nodded slightly. "Fang Ming, I will remember you."

The next moment, her figure transformed into a tiny seven-colored snake...