Snake God

After leaving the Snake-People Tribe, Xiao Huohuo could not calm down for a long time.

He stared at the jade token in his hand, lost in thought. He had never expected things to become so complicated. All his plans had crumbled. What was he supposed to do without the Green Lotus Core Flame?

"You little brat, don't give up. Even if the Green Lotus Core Flame is gone, we can keep searching for other heavenly flames. How could everything always go our way? That's life."

Yao Lao's figure appeared, and he offered Xiao Huohuo some comfort.

Xiao Huohuo nodded firmly. With his teacher's support, he finally felt a little better.

"Teacher, let's go settle the bill with that Ice Emperor. Remember to add a little extra seasoning."

Xiao Huohuo winked mischievously at Yao Lao, then unfurled his Purple Cloud Wings and flew toward the horizon.

Yao Lao could not help laughing. The little brat was as resilient as ever. It seemed his trials in the Magical Beast Mountain Range had not been for nothing.

He gazed into the distance and sighed inwardly. It seems this disciple of mine really is plagued by misfortune. But this time, he hasn't misjudged the person.

Still, since Xiao Huohuo was his disciple...

No matter what hardships lay ahead, he, Yao Lao, would help his disciple overcome them.

The Snake-People Tribe.

Long Xiao sat in meditation on the bed in his room.

He extended his right index finger, condensing a wisp of pure azure flame at its tip. It was none other than the Green Lotus Core Flame that the Golden Dragon Heaven-Burning Flame had devoured.

"I didn't expect the Golden Dragon Heaven-Burning Flame to grow a little stronger after devouring a heavenly flame. And the two flames can still be separated at any time."

"But I'll need a cultivation method to balance the flames' energy. Otherwise, I won't be able to devour stronger flames in the future."

Long Xiao searched through his Storage Ring, but found no divine ability suitable for fusing flames.

"Xiao Huohuo's cultivation method would work, but its growth potential is too limited. With heavenly flames alone, it could only reach the peak of the Heaven tier at best. I wonder what would happen if it incorporated the power of divine flames?"

"I'll copy it and give it a try the next time I meet him."

With that thought, Long Xiao tossed the Green Lotus Core Flame into his mouth.

Sizzle...

Long Xiao felt a scorching sensation instantly spread from his mouth throughout his body.

Just then, the door suddenly opened, and Medusa stepped inside. Looking at Long Xiao, who seemed to be cultivating, she frowned. "Why is it so hot in here? What are you doing?"

"I was studying the heavenly flame."

"You still have it?"

Medusa walked over and sat beside Long Xiao.

"Yes. My flame devoured it, but I can separate it out."

"Shasha, you came at just the right time. My body's really hot right now. Could you..."

Long Xiao abruptly changed the subject and moved to pull Medusa into his arms. Her expression changed, and she shoved him away. "Stop fooling around. I came to tell you something."

Medusa stood and went to sit at the table. She could not stay too close to Long Xiao; she needed to let him cool down. "Well, our tribe's High Priest will hold a banquet tonight. According to our traditions, as this queen's man, you must share a cup of Snake God Wine with me tonight."

After saying that, Medusa lowered her gaze, not daring to meet Long Xiao's eyes.

Long Xiao froze for a moment. "Hahaha! We're drinking a nuptial cup before we're even married? Don't worry, I have no objections."

At Long Xiao's hearty laughter, Medusa's lovely face flushed, and her heartbeat quickened. She bit her lip and could not help thinking, Damn you, Long Xiao. What nuptial cup? It's just a ceremony.

Yet, for some reason, that fear welled up in her heart again.

She kept feeling that something bad was going to happen.

But who in the Snake-People Tribe could make her feel that way now?

Seeing Medusa's expression shift unpredictably, Long Xiao could not help asking, "What are you worried about?"

At his words, Medusa looked up and glared at him, then lowered her head again. "Nothing," she said softly.

If it's nothing, why do you look so troubled? Long Xiao did not believe her. He walked over, took her soft little hand, and pulled her into his arms.

Medusa struggled twice but failed to break free. In the end, she stopped moving and let Long Xiao hold her, though a jumble of thoughts continued churning in her mind. She loved the feeling of being in his arms.

She had never experienced being loved before. It was a subtle feeling.

Ever since her younger sister had left, she had walked her path alone.

"Hmm?"

For an instant, Long Xiao sensed an immense power appear within the Snake-People Tribe, but it vanished just as quickly.

He had intended to go out and investigate, but after glancing at Medusa resting in his arms with her eyes closed, he decided not to pursue it.

At the Altar.

The High Priest once again summoned the one sleeping there.

"My lord, everything is ready. We can begin tonight."

The High Priest stood respectfully before the sacrificial platform, his heart full of anticipation. He hoped his sacred Snake God would return soon and lead the entire tribe back to the prosperity it had enjoyed thousands of years ago.

"Yes, I understand."

A cool voice sounded from beneath the sacrificial platform.

Then a beautiful, multicolored figure slowly floated upward.

Her body was ethereal; she was in soul form.

Her figure was graceful, with exquisite curves.

Her eyes were like stars, deep and captivating, and her body resembled flawless nine-colored crystal.

Her beauty was in no way inferior to Medusa's, and the majestic presence in her features inspired even greater awe.

As the High Priest gazed at that hazy figure, wild joy spread across his face. He hurriedly fell to his knees and greeted her respectfully. "Greetings, Snake God."

"Rise."

The Snake God's voice remained cold, yet it left the High Priest overwhelmed with excitement.

He hurriedly stood and looked at the Snake God's indistinct soul form. "Lady Snake God, what should we do next?"

"Have them drink the Snake God Wine tonight. Then we can set things in motion," the Snake God instructed icily.

"Yes!"

The High Priest answered excitedly, then withdrew.

The Snake God's soul form floated out of the Altar, then vanished.