Sorry, Xiao Yan, That's My Snake!

Su Tian glanced indifferently at the raging mass of Green Lotus Core Flame in the distance, then could no longer be bothered with Xiao Yan.

Within the Azure Flame, Queen Medusa's screams grew increasingly piercing. Only after nearly half an hour of sustained shrieking did they gradually begin to weaken.

Even someone as powerful as Queen Medusa had been tortured into such a wretched state by the Green Lotus Core Flame.

If Su Tian accidentally drew the Green Lotus Core Flame's attention to himself, his fate would probably be far more miserable than hers.

Did Xiao Yan really take him for a fool?

Perhaps Queen Medusa had exhausted her strength. The Purple Giant Snake's enormous body had almost stopped thrashing.

Her body, once covered in eerily beautiful purple scales, was now a glaring, charred black and gave off a foul smell. Under the Green Lotus Core Flame's scorching heat, her body had shrunk from over a hundred feet long to barely twenty or thirty.

Su Tian could not help drawing a deep breath, his face filled with solemn concern.

He could scarcely imagine how much bone and blood within that enormous body had been burned away by the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Beyond the purple light barrier overhead, more and more Snake-People stood on the surrounding rooftops, staring blankly at the churning flames, until a shrill hiss suddenly rang throughout the city.

In an instant, a mournful atmosphere enveloped the Snake-People Tribe's most sacred city.

Within the Green Lotus Core Flame, Queen Medusa's enormous body lay motionless, allowing the flames to burn mercilessly over her.

A strong, acrid smell of charred flesh slowly spread through the air.

"Did she fail?"

Just then, Yun Yun quietly flashed to the side of Gu He, who had hurried over. Looking at Queen Medusa, now motionless within the Heavenly Flame, she gave an inexplicable sigh.

After a brief silence, Yun Yun bowed slightly toward Queen Medusa's corpse.

Although Yun Yun was exceptionally proud and aloof, she felt that a queen brave enough to let a Heavenly Flame burn her body for the sake of evolution deserved due respect.

"Alas, a magnificent Queen Medusa of her generation... What a pity."

Watching the green flames rise, Gu He could not help sighing as well. Queen Medusa's demise struck him as strangely dramatic.

As Queen Medusa's piercing screams faded, Temple City gradually sank into a deathlike silence.

Moments later, however, those hate-filled gazes shifted toward Gu He, Yun Yun, and the others in midair.

Yun Yun paid those gazes no heed, still watching the distant mass of Azure Flame calmly. Suddenly, her delicate brows furrowed. She looked up at the abruptly darkening sky, fell silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

Her cool voice now carried a note of gravity. "Something's wrong. Something doesn't seem right!"

"What's happening?"

At the sudden change in Yun Yun's tone, Gu He's expression shifted, and he hastily asked.

Beneath her black robe, Yun Yun slowly narrowed her beautiful eyes. Watching the sky, she said softly, "Sense it carefully. The energy between heaven and earth seems to have suddenly gone berserk!"

Gu He hurriedly looked up and carefully sensed the sky. His expression changed instantly. The previously clear sky had darkened, and banks of black clouds from some unknown source were slowly spreading across it.

Faced with this sudden development, everyone stared at the strange sky in astonishment and confusion.

"Teacher, what's happening?"

On the island, Xiao Yan had seen Queen Medusa fall still and, after confirming that nothing seemed amiss, was about to rush toward the Heavenly Flame. Then he abruptly noticed the change overhead. His expression shifted, and he hurriedly called out inwardly.

"Don't rush! There still seems to be something changing here. Perhaps... Queen Medusa isn't dead!"

Yao Lao had noticed the changes in the sky as well, and spoke in a low, grave voice.

At those last words, Xiao Yan's heart jolted. Not daring to take another step forward, he hurried back behind the bushes and watched Queen Medusa's corpse intently, his entire body on high alert.

"Teacher, do you mean... her evolution succeeded?"

Xiao Yan drew a deep breath, his pupils contracting as he spoke in alarm.

After examining the situation carefully, Yao Lao shook his head helplessly and gave a bitter smile. "I don't know much about this kind of evolution among the Snake-People Tribe, either. But judging by these changes, they may indeed be related to Queen Medusa. As for whether she succeeded, I'm not certain."

"Then do we have to give up again...?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yan instinctively clenched his fists. His brows knitted tightly, and fierce unwillingness surfaced on his face.

He had put far too much effort into obtaining a Heavenly Flame throughout this journey.

If he had to give up again this time, it would be a devastating blow.

"Let's wait first. Even if her evolution succeeded, being burned by a Heavenly Flame for so long must have drained a considerable amount of her energy. Besides, Gu He and the others are watching outside. It's not as though we have no chance."

Yao Lao sighed softly. He naturally knew how much Xiao Yan had sacrificed, but all he could offer now was this reassurance.

If something unexpected truly happened, Yao Lao could only choose to protect Xiao Yan's life first. As for the Heavenly Flame, that would have to be left to fate.

If it really comes to that, I'll get you another Heavenly Flame, even if it costs me my life!

Of course, Yao Lao did not say this aloud, only murmuring it silently to himself. He had long since come to regard Xiao Yan as his dearest family.

"All right. I understand, Teacher."

Xiao Yan slowly opened his eyes and let out a long breath. His expression became calm again, and he nodded gently, determination flashing in his eyes.

Beside him, Su Tian appeared to be focused entirely on Queen Medusa, but was actually observing Xiao Yan's every movement in secret.

Naturally, none of the changes in Xiao Yan's expression had escaped Su Tian.

I really thought you'd charge over like some reckless greenhorn and snatch the Green Lotus Core Flame. That would have saved me quite a bit of trouble. What a pity.

Su Tian casually rubbed his nose and grinned, murmuring inwardly.

Looking up at the strange sky, Su Tian's heart grew heavy and his expression turned solemn. He knew Queen Medusa had not perished. Instead, her evolution had succeeded.

Anyone acting rashly now would likely be caught in the crossfire of both Queen Medusa and the Green Lotus Core Flame.

Su Tian understood all of this perfectly, so he would never act recklessly. As for Xiao Yan, he certainly would not share that information with him. He would have loved nothing more than for Xiao Yan to attempt the theft on his own.

Boom...

Thunder suddenly roared through the black clouds blanketing the sky. Silver lightning flashed repeatedly, like vicious, long silver snakes.

Then another tremendous roar rang out.

Rumble...

The world suddenly lit up. An enormous silver thunderbolt shot from the clouds, pierced the purple light barrier, and slammed into the mass of Azure Flame.

Yet before the thunder had completely faded from everyone's ears, the black clouds overhead began rapidly dispersing. In the blink of an eye, scorching sunlight spilled over the earth again.

"What's that?"

Gu He and the others looked toward the purple light barrier again, but after that enormous thunderbolt struck, a faint green mist seeped from the island and obscured their view.

As the green mist spread, Gu He's expression shifted. His brows furrowed, and he shook his head gravely.

Under the cover of that green mist, Gu He's soul power could not penetrate the island. He could sense nothing of the situation inside.

"Be ready to fight at any moment."

Just then, Yun Yun's calm voice emerged from beneath her black robe. Gu He and the others hurriedly nodded, their Dou Qi surging as they prepared for any unexpected development.

"Pah... What the hell was that thing?"

When the thunderbolt struck, Xiao Yan had already taken shelter behind a huge boulder. Even so, the tremendous impact shattered it instantly. If Yao Lao had not intervened at the crucial moment, that force would probably have killed Xiao Yan on the spot.

Where's that fellow? Did the lightning kill him?

Xiao Yan stood and spat the dirt from his mouth. Remembering Su Tian, he looked around, but found no sign of him. His brow rose as the thought crossed his mind.

After all, Su Tian had no expert like Yao Lao secretly helping him. With that thunderbolt's terrifying power, he could very well have died on the spot.

At that thought, Xiao Yan rather hoped Su Tian had been struck dead.

"Probably not. Although I don't know where that young fellow comes from, there's something mysterious about him. I don't think he's that simple."

Yao Lao shook his head and spoke softly.

"Besides, the instant I shielded you, I sensed a powerful fluctuation of soul power. It wasn't on Gu He's level, but it certainly wasn't weak!"

"Teacher, do you mean Su Tian caused that?"

Xiao Yan's expression froze. Narrowing his eyes, he spoke thoughtfully.

Yao Lao nodded.

"In short, it's best to be careful. As for that young fellow, try not to make an enemy of him unless you have absolutely no choice."

"I understand."

"Damn, that thunderbolt was terrifying..."

While Xiao Yan and Yao Lao were speaking in secret, Su Tian's curses suddenly rang out. At some point, he had fled quite a distance away, and was now scrambling rather awkwardly up from the ground.

Although his movements were awkward, Su Tian did not appear injured. Even his clothes were only slightly disheveled.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan immediately understood what Yao Lao had meant.

Whatever method Su Tian had used, emerging from that thunderbolt in such a state made it clear to Xiao Yan that he could not be underestimated.

Among his peers, apart from Xiao Xun'er, Su Tian was the only person Xiao Yan took so seriously that he even felt threatened.

"What are you staring at? Never seen a handsome man before?"

After standing, Su Tian noticed that Xiao Yan was still watching him. He irritably rolled his eyes, brushed the dust from his clothes, and curled his lip as he spoke.

Xiao Yan merely frowned at those words and gave no response.

Turning away, Xiao Yan looked over the now completely barren island and could not help drawing a sharp breath.

Su Tian paid no attention to any of that. After carefully checking his bearings, he slowly walked into the green mist. Xiao Yan paused at his actions, hesitated briefly, then hurried after him.

As the two gradually approached the island's center, the mist grew much thinner, and the Green Lotus Core Flame suspended in midair came into view again.

Now, however, the Green Lotus Core Flame had returned to its former fist-sized shape. It floated quietly in midair, constantly shifting into different forms.

"The Green Lotus Core Flame..."

Xiao Yan drew a deep breath, his gaze filled with intense longing and urgency. He was so excited that his body could not help trembling slightly.

Su Tian's gaze, however, fell on the giant snake's body on the ground. She was charred black, giving off a pungent, burned stench. Her entire body was cold, as though she were a dead snake.

Even knowing she isn't dead, seeing her in such a miserable state still makes me uncomfortable.

Su Tian could not help sighing softly. Whatever else she might be, Queen Medusa was his fiancée in name. Looking at the giant snake before him, he could not stop a ripple of unrest from rising in his heart.

"I'd better deal with the Green Lotus Core Flame first."

Xiao Yan had naturally noticed the giant snake on the ground as well, and sighed. To think a mighty Dou Huang expert would meet such an end-it left him lamenting her fate.

Ignoring Su Tian, Xiao Yan walked around the giant snake's corpse and stood beneath the Heavenly Flame, just about to ask Yao Lao inwardly how to subdue it.

At that instant, a faint cracking sound came from behind him.

At the unexpected sound, both Xiao Yan and Su Tian shuddered violently and turned in unison toward its source.

Their pupils instantly contracted.

The charred exterior of the stiff giant snake lying on the ground had suddenly begun flaking away.

The speed at which it fell away kept increasing.

Eventually, Su Tian could vaguely see something within the giant snake's body that seemed about to break free.

"Gulp..."

Watching this eerie scene, Xiao Yan felt every hair on his body stand on end. He swallowed hard and slowly turned, his gaze fixed on the giant snake whose charred skin kept peeling away.

Xiao Yan cautiously retreated several steps and urgently asked inwardly, "Teacher, what's happening?"

"Be careful. A new presence seems to be emerging inside that corpse..."

Yao Lao's voice also grew somewhat graver.

"Did Queen Medusa's evolution really succeed?"

Xiao Yan's pupils contracted, and his voice sounded rather dry.

Yao Lao did not really understand what was happening before them, either, so he could hardly offer an answer.

At that, Xiao Yan's heart sank. After a moment, he glanced at the Green Lotus Core Flame in midair, then hurriedly turned toward Su Tian and barked coldly, "Su Tian! Hurry and take out the Green Lotus Base! We'll work together and find a way to collect the Green Lotus Core Flame!"

"Otherwise, once that thing comes out, we'll probably..."

"Watch out!"

Before Xiao Yan could finish, Yao Lao's urgent shout rang out in his mind.

Xiao Yan's heart abruptly tightened. More than a year of arduous training had forged the resolve to remain constantly vigilant. His expression changed, and he tapped the ground with his toes, shooting backward without sparing Su Tian another thought.

What Xiao Yan failed to notice was that Su Tian's expression held not a trace of panic. Instead, delight appeared on his face.

Is it that little one...?

Bang!

As Xiao Yan shot backward, a muffled explosion erupted inside the giant snake on the ground. Charred scales flew everywhere, and the corpse instantly turned into powder scattered across the ground.

At the same time, a vast, terrifying aura burst forth, enveloping Temple City at a horrifying speed.

"This aura... Her Majesty succeeded!"

Sensing that familiar aura, countless Snake-People in Temple City were instantly overcome with joy. Earthshaking cheers echoed through the sky.

The instant that vast aura erupted, Gu He's expression changed drastically outside the purple light barrier. Almost instinctively, he shot back dozens of meters.

"Retreat! Queen Medusa's evolution succeeded!"

"Don't panic!"

Despite sensing that terrifying surge of aura, Yun Yun remained calm. She could clearly tell that, although frighteningly powerful, it seemed to lack the strength to sustain itself.

A dozen seconds later, the aura rapidly receded into the light barrier like an ebbing tide.

The cheers in Temple City stopped abruptly. Every Snake-Person looked bewildered, their hearts filled with unease and hope.

When that aura surged, Xiao Yan's face also paled slightly. His feet raced across the ground as he retreated more than ten meters.

As the aura vanished, Xiao Yan felt bewildered as well, but he no longer dared let down his guard. His eyes narrowed as he stared fixedly at the site of the explosion, his palms slick with sweat.

Black dust rained down from the air. Then, in a single instant, a streak of seven-colored light shot out of the mist.

That streak moved as though it had pierced the barriers of space itself, so fast that it caught one utterly unprepared.

The instant he saw that streak of seven-colored light, wild delight appeared on Su Tian's handsome face. His hands involuntarily clenched, and a thought surfaced in his mind.

Xiao Yan, on the other hand, was horrified. Until he understood exactly what the creature was, he dared not make any physical contact with her.

"So fast! What is that thing?"

Even though Xiao Yan wanted to dodge, the streak of seven-colored light was terrifyingly fast. His Dou Qi had barely begun surging when she reached him with a sharp whistle of displaced air.

Boom...

At the crucial moment, a surge of bone white flame erupted from Xiao Yan's body, its scorching heat continually warping the air.

"Chirp, chirp..."

The approaching streak of seven-colored light seemed to sense the extraordinary nature of the bone white flame. Without the slightest hesitation, she stopped before Xiao Yan. Her transition from blinding speed to perfect stillness was utterly seamless, as natural as could be.

Only then did Su Tian and Xiao Yan finally get a clear look at her body.

The creature before them was a slender little snake only about two centimeters long. Tiny seven-colored scales covered her body, giving her a faintly uncanny beauty, while an unusual, fresh fragrance lingered around her.

She exuded an intangible air of elegance and nobility.

The instant he saw the Seven-Colored Little Snake, a gleam flashed through Su Tian's eyes, and the thought in his mind became even firmer.

"It really is... the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python!"

Watching the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python hover before Xiao Yan, Su Tian did not rush to act. There was not a trace of bloodlust in her pale purple eyes; instead, they looked remarkably pure and clear.

Yet within that tiny body, Su Tian could vaguely sense a terrifying power that even a Dou Huang expert would not dare underestimate.

The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python gently flicked her slender tail, her pale purple eyes fixed on Xiao Yan before her. But fear of the Bone Spirit Cold Flame on his body kept her from drawing too close.

"Teacher, is she... Queen Medusa?"

Although the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python looked harmless and utterly adorable, Xiao Yan still dared not act rashly and murmured inwardly.

"Yes. A body of seven colors, purple-tinged eyes, a fragrant form, and power that reaches the heavens... So Queen Medusa's so-called evolution was actually an evolution of her soul. She shed her original body and used the power of her soul to condense a truly new one."

Yao Lao nodded emphatically, let out a long breath, and spoke slowly.

"To think Queen Medusa's final evolution would be the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, capable of contending with a Dou Sheng Expert!"

"But I don't think she has any killing intent toward me. Teacher, could you withdraw the Bone Spirit Cold Flame for a moment?"

Xiao Yan scratched his head and swallowed. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke softly.

"All right. Be careful."

Yao Lao pondered briefly, then nodded and swiftly extinguished the Bone Spirit Cold Flame. Xiao Yan hesitated, not daring to act rashly, and merely ventured cautiously.

"Your Majesty?"

The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python gave no response. She merely circled Xiao Yan twice without showing any intention of attacking, then suddenly stopped above his palm.

Her crystal-clear eyes stared hungrily at the Storage Ring on Xiao Yan's hand. Then she raised her head and let out several faint hisses at him.

Xiao Yan froze, then narrowed his eyes slightly and pondered for a moment.

"She seems interested in something inside my Storage Ring?"

As he spoke, Xiao Yan glanced at Su Tian, who stood nearby with his arms folded as though enjoying the show. After a brief hesitation, he flicked a finger against his Storage Ring and took out several things.

But the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python merely came closer and looked them over. Flicking her tail, she shook her little head, as though none of them were what she needed.

At the sight, Xiao Yan could not help giving a wry smile, feeling rather helpless.

Just then, Su Tian suddenly spoke with a mischievous smile. "What she likes is the companion amethyst source inside your Storage Ring."

"I don't have anything like that."

At Su Tian's words, Xiao Yan's heart jolted. His gaze turned cold as he looked at Su Tian and replied flatly.

Although he had no idea how Su Tian knew he possessed companion amethyst source, Xiao Yan naturally would not take out such a treasure so readily in front of him.

"I'm only offering a suggestion. Believe it or not-it's up to you."

Su Tian did not mind Xiao Yan's response at all. He shrugged and spoke nonchalantly.

"Chirp, chirp, chirp..."

At that moment, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python could not help letting out another series of urgent hisses, as though urging Xiao Yan on.

Watching the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python circle his Storage Ring incessantly, Xiao Yan frowned. If he did not take out the companion amethyst source, he had no idea whether the little snake before him might go berserk on the spot.

After all, the power now contained within the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python was far beyond anything a Dou Huang expert could match.

After thinking for a while, Xiao Yan gritted his teeth and stopped hesitating. He shot Su Tian a cold glare, then took a small jade bottle filled with purple liquid from his Storage Ring.

At the same time, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python circling in midair appeared in Xiao Yan's palm as though she had teleported. Her tiny head dipped into the jade bottle, and her forked tongue immediately lapped up several eager mouthfuls.

So what she wants really is the companion amethyst source! But how did that fellow know?

Xiao Yan glanced up at Su Tian's teasing expression, his brows tightly furrowed. Doubts filled his mind, but no matter how he puzzled over it, he could not find an answer.

When Xiao Yan looked back, he discovered that nearly a tenth of the bottle's companion amethyst source was already gone. A pained expression immediately crossed his face, as though his heart were dripping blood.

Fortunately, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python did not greedily drink too much. After a few laps, she stopped, satisfaction dancing in her eyes.

And seemingly because she had absorbed the companion amethyst source, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's gaze toward Xiao Yan became a little less guarded.

Noticing the change in her gaze, Xiao Yan's heart stirred. He cautiously reached out and gently stroked her tiny, cool body.

In response, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python merely wriggled slightly without dodging. Instead, she lazily rubbed against Xiao Yan's palm, seemingly without the slightest hostility.

At this sight, the unusual gleam in Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly intensified.

"Hehe, are you planning to keep this little one with you?"

As though he understood Xiao Yan's intentions perfectly, Yao Lao's voice promptly rang out.

Just then, however, a strange light suddenly flashed through Su Tian's eyes, and an inscrutable smile curled his lips.

Battle Pet Contract, activate!

With Su Tian's low inward command, an invisible force instantly emerged from nowhere within his mind.

That invisible force then rushed toward the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python in Xiao Yan's hand. While she was completely unprepared, it suddenly burrowed into her mind and swiftly condensed into a strange six-pointed star seal.

The instant that six-pointed star seal formed, Su Tian's eyes lit up.

A close connection seemed to have formed between Su Tian and the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python. Through it, he could convey any command to her, and she would carry it out without hesitation.

Bound by the Battle Pet Contract, the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python would remain utterly loyal to Su Tian, with no possibility of turning against him.

The instant Su Tian completed the Battle Pet Contract, a sharp gleam flashed through the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python's pale purple eyes. Her little head suddenly rose, and she let out a series of faint hisses.

At the sight, Xiao Yan was filled with delight. He hurriedly cleared his throat, put on a beaming smile, and made his voice exceedingly gentle. His expression looked just like that of someone trying to coax a lost little girl off the roadside.

"Little one, how about coming with me?"

"Chirp, chirp..."

The Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python blinked her purple eyes as she looked at Xiao Yan's delicate features before her. She rose upright, and as her forked tongue flickered, something like mockery seemed to flash through her eyes.

Xiao Yan's heart immediately gave a jolt, and the smile on his face grew somewhat awkward.

Meanwhile, Su Tian remained standing nearby with his arms folded, without saying a word. An inexplicably odd expression crossed his face, as though he were struggling to hold back his laughter, and he simply watched Xiao Yan in silence.