Chapter 105: Third Brother? Third Sister!
"Your Majesty!?"
At the very core of the small island, above the charred snake body, a graceful figure floated suspended in mid-air.
Her body was wrapped in a crimson robe, long green hair cascading down her fragrant shoulders, flowing past her perky hips before stopping. The tight robe outlined her curvy, seductive figure perfectly—like an overly ripe peach, exuding an alluring charm.
Looking further down, through the slit of her gown, long white legs could faintly be seen. Beneath them were flawless jade-like feet, sparkling clean and untainted by dust.
At this moment, her slender hand was loosely clenched, immobilizing Xiao Yuan in midair.
Despite the breathtaking beauty and seduction of Queen Medusa in this moment, Xiao Yuan didn't feel afraid. Instead, he felt something was… off.
Her pupils lacked their usual brilliance, appearing empty, almost as if she had lost her mind.
Seven-colored light flickered across her body, flashing faster and faster.
As the dazzling light intensified, Xiao Yuan was pulled closer. The next moment, Queen Medusa slightly parted her red lips, and a dense energy streamed from her mouth into Xiao Yuan's.
As the energy entered him, the distance between their mouths vanished—until their lips finally met.
In that instant, a terrifying surge of energy exploded, spreading rapidly across the entire city.
"Her Majesty succeeded!?"
Feeling a familiar presence within that massive energy, the countless snake-people in the city looked to each other—then broke into joyous cheers that echoed through the skies.
As the enormous aura spread out, Gu He—outside the purple light barrier—suddenly changed expression. He was instantly blown back several dozen meters by an uncontrollable force.
While retreating, he shouted to Yun Yun: "We have to go—Queen Medusa has completed her evolution!"
"Don't panic!"
Despite the surge of terrifying energy, Yun Yun remained calm. Though others couldn't detect it, she clearly felt that the energy—despite its strength—was unstable, as if it were on the verge of losing control.
"Hmm?"
That feeling of instability, however, quickly faded.
A few seconds later, she sensed another aura growing stronger. Though not as vast as the first, it was still immensely powerful.
As the immense pressure vanished, the city's cheers also abruptly fell silent. The snake-people stood in confusion, caught between anxiety and hope.
Boom!
The rainbow-colored light gradually faded and condensed into a thin strand that flew into Xiao Yuan's sleeve.
Xiao Yuan trembled slightly. His Dou Qi surged wildly, nearly losing control. A lingering sweetness mixed with the taste of blood remained on his lips.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Inside, he felt a power unlike anything he had ever experienced. He was both thrilled and terrified.
This power was intoxicating. His five Qi Paths were pulsing, filled with energy that coursed through his meridians, blood, muscles, and bones.
In simple terms—
He was about to explode.
Looking at the now-weak Green Lotus Core Flame floating before him, Xiao Yuan felt helpless.
Apparently, Queen Medusa had drained nearly all of the flame's energy to evolve. The leftover surge was too much for her to handle—so she dumped it all into Xiao Yuan's body as an outlet.
He rolled up his sleeve and looked at the tiny seven-colored snake coiled around his wrist, eyes closed but exuding a noble and delicate fragrance.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yuan suppressed his thoughts and summoned the Yin-Yang Flame. A black-and-white flame formed a glove over his hand. He reached out and seized the hovering Green Lotus Core Flame.
The flame instinctively resisted, but Xiao Yuan snorted coldly. The Yin-Yang Flame flared, suppressing it forcibly. He then gripped it tightly and charged toward the temple entrance.
Outside the temple, Xiao Yan struck Mobaas to the ground with a punch. He looked at the fading purple barrier, growing increasingly anxious about Xiao Yuan.
The purple barrier flickered, then finally shattered into a million light particles with a loud pop.
At that moment, a figure with purple-black wings—marked with black and white patterns—soared toward Xiao Yan at astonishing speed.
"What's going on?" Gu He, who had retreated earlier, cautiously returned to Yun Yun's side. "Didn't she succeed? Why did her aura vanish?"
"There was a problem with her evolution. That aura is completely gone. But… there's a new presence now."
Yun Yun, hidden beneath her black robe, shook her head lightly.
And she felt… that new aura was oddly familiar.
"A new one?" Gu He blinked, then exhaled with a mix of disappointment and relief. His gaze sharpened as he stared at the temple and muttered, "The Heavenly Flame's aura… it's gone too?"
"The energy inside seems to have calmed completely. Maybe Queen Medusa destroyed the flame?" Yun Yun asked with uncertainty.
"Unlikely. She's strong, but destroying a Heavenly Flame? That's beyond her." Gu He shook his head. As an alchemist, he understood its power better than anyone.
"We'll search thoroughly once the mist clears." Gu He frowned.
"Gu He, what's the situation?"
Two streams of light flew into the city from outside and landed beside him. Yan Shi scanned the temple below and asked, "That terrifying aura just now?"
"Queen Medusa's… but her evolution likely failed. That aura's gone now." Gu He murmured.
"Hu…" Yan Shi and Feng Li sighed in relief. That previous aura was so overwhelming they'd lost all will to fight. That level of power was simply beyond them.
"What now?"
Feng Li glanced around the city. Countless hostile snake eyes stared at them. In the distance, Yue Mei glared coldly. On the ground, Mobaas was weakened and full of dread toward Xiao Yan. His anxious glances toward the temple revealed his unease.
Though Yue Mei and Mobaas were filled with murderous intent, they didn't launch an attack. Under their orders, snake warriors climbed rooftops with spears, encircling Gu He's group.
This was the Holy City of the Snake-People. Strong Dou Wangs were everywhere—possibly even more than in Gu He's team. What they lacked was a Dou Huang to counter the two mysterious ones. Otherwise, they would've stormed the place already.
For now, Yue Mei's strategy was to contain them.
"Careful. A Dou Huang aura is heading your way—wait, it's… Xiao Yuan?"
Yao Lao's voice startled Xiao Yan.
"Huh? A Dou Huang? My third brother's okay?"
Joy spread across Xiao Yan's face.
"Xiao Yan, I've secured the Heavenly Flame. Take out the Green Lotus Pedestal and retreat first. I'll cover you."
Xiao Yuan's urgent voice rang out. A flash of green light revealed him before Xiao Yan, palm open, revealing the Green Lotus Core Flame sealed in the Yin-Yang Flame.
"The Green Lotus Core Flame!"
Xiao Yan trembled with shock. But then, he saw Xiao Yuan's pale face. His energy surged wildly, and under his skin, a rainbow glow threatened to burst out.
"Third brother, are you okay?"
"Cut the crap. I need to vent this power. You get the flame out of here—go find Elder Hai, help him refine pills, then meet me back in Stone Desert City."
As Xiao Yuan spoke, he released the weakened flame from its Yin-Yang cage.
"Xiao Yan, Xiao Yuan is right. He needs to vent his excess energy. He's strong enough now to hold off their forces. Just watch out for that mysterious Dou Huang—but since she knows him, it won't be a problem."
Yao Lao added.
"Alright, but be careful."
Xiao Yan finally relaxed and retrieved the Green Lotus Pedestal.
A dazzling blue glow shone as the pedestal spun slowly, radiating gentle energy.
Holding it up, Xiao Yan guided it toward the Green Lotus Core Flame. A faint blue shield expanded and gently enveloped the flame.
As the shield shrank, the flame showed no resistance and sank into the lotus' core. Blue fire rose once again from the empty center.
"Go!"
Xiao Yuan smiled as the flame was secured, then summoned his ice-attribute Dou Qi into a pitch-black dragon spear.
Swoosh!
A fiery red snake-man, wrapped in red Dou Qi, flew into the sky and glared murderously at Gu He's team.
"Damn humans! How dare you enter our sacred city!"
With a fiery temper, the newcomer roared furiously, red Dou Qi flaring like a blaze.
But just then, Xiao Yan shot across the sky, cradling the lotus pedestal and its flame.
"The Heavenly Flame!"
Gu He paid no attention to the snake-man. His gaze locked onto the shrinking figure fleeing with the flame, and he roared in fury:
"That bastard used us like pawns!"
"Chase them!"
With a wave of his hand, Gu He flared his Dou Qi and soared into pursuit. Yun Yun and the others followed.
But Yue Mei and the red snake-man, Yan Ci, blocked their path. Behind them stood the snake army.
"You come and go as you please? What do you take the Snake-People for?"
Yan Ci's flaming aura flared violently, his voice thundering across the city.
"Out of my way!"
Gu He's eyes turned bloodshot. Seeing the distant speck of Xiao Yan, he roared and hurled a pale-blue fireball at the blockers.
"Hmph. You may be unmatched in alchemy, Gu He—but in battle, you're outclassed."
Yan Ci sneered. His hand ignited into a massive fire palm, catching and crushing the fireball into sparks.
Yue Mei watched, helpless. They had no energy to spare to pursue Xiao Yan.
"I'll hold them. You go after him! If we're too late, the flame will be lost!"
Yun Yun moved swiftly, her sword flashing as she forced back Yue Mei and Yan Ci.
Gu He hesitated, then nodded firmly. He trusted Yun Yun's strength.
But just as he prepared to fly off, he noticed a black snowflake melt in his palm.
Snow…?
He looked up in shock—despite the clear skies, black snowflakes were falling.
Realizing something was wrong, he scanned the sky.
There stood a white-robed figure, elegant and proud. Black crystal wings fluttered gently. She held a black dragon spear, and a powerful aura flowed from her body.
"Who are you!?"
Everyone stared at the mysterious new arrival. Gu He, feeling her aura lock onto him, growled.
"I've heard you three are among Jia Ma Empire's top ten. Care to spar?"
A cold female voice rang out—startling Gu He's group.
Far away, Xiao Yan, still fleeing with the flame, was baffled by the familiar yet unfamiliar voice.
His third brother… had this ability?
"This kid… what a character."
Yao Lao chuckled.
"So Third Brother's a Third Sister now. I wonder what Father's face will look like when he hears about grandchildren from him."
Xiao Yan chuckled, feeling much less worried now.
(END CHAPTER)
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