Hai Bodong turned his head slightly toward Liu Xi, who stood calm and composed beside him—utterly unfazed by the looming threat before them. Then, his cold gaze shifted back to the pair blocking their path: a veiled woman in green and a colossal, winged serpent hovering in the air. His voice was like frost.
"Two dignified Dou Huang experts stooping to ambush travelers within the borders of the Jia Ma Empire… aren't you afraid of bringing shame upon your names?"
No sooner had he spoken than the serpent—its cold eyes gleaming with murderous light—let out a low, rumbling laugh. Rows of sharp white fangs glistened as it hissed,
"Hmph! A decrepit Dou Huang and a fledgling Dou Wang… once you're both dead, who'll ever know? Isn't that right, Lu Man? …Lu Man?"
But his companion didn't answer. The serpent's vertical pupils flicked sideways in confusion—only to find the green-robed woman staring fixedly at Liu Xi, her eyes locked on his young, handsome face.
The serpent—Bai Ya—let out a rasping laugh. "What's this? Lu Man, are you smitten already? How about this—let's kill the old one first, and I'll catch that pretty boy for you!"
Rolling her eyes, Lu Man snapped coldly, "Enough, Bai Ya. We have business to attend to. The Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils can only appear in mixed-blood Snake-People descendants. The girl in that Dou Wang's arms clearly isn't ordinary!"
Hai Bodong's face darkened further as Bai Ya's words dripped with arrogance and killing intent. His body trembled with fury, and the cold Dou Qi within him surged violently. Though he could guess their target was Liu Xi—or rather, the mysterious girl at his side—it hardly mattered.
He'd just regained his Dou Huang strength; how could he stand by and be humiliated?
He spoke in a low growl, "Little friend, I know you have your means. If we fight, can you stall that woman in green?"
Liu Xi glanced at Hai Bodong, inwardly impressed. 'Didn't expect the old man to still have that backbone in him.' But he didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he stepped forward, spreading the azure wings of flame behind him, his calm gaze falling on the pair.
"Judging from your strength and your… companion," he said evenly, "you must be from the Sky Serpent Mansion, am I right?"
Lu Man's pupils contracted slightly in surprise, then a faint smile curved beneath her veil. "Oh? You've got quite the eye for detail, young man. Since you already know who we are, I suppose you also know what we've come for."
Liu Xi nodded once. "I do. But Qing Lin belongs with me. Whether she'll one day join your Sky Serpent Mansion is something I'll decide personally."
Lu Man's tone brightened instantly. "So it's true—she really possesses the Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils! You can rest easy; we would never harm her. The owner of those eyes is a treasure of our clan."
Bai Ya, however, was far less patient. His hiss turned to a roar.
"Boy, who do you think you are? You dare speak of entering the Sky Serpent Mansion? Hand over the girl now, or I'll tear you limb from limb!"
The serpent and the woman moved simultaneously, their auras bursting outward in perfect sync, encircling Liu Xi and Hai Bodong. Two mighty Dou Huang pressures rolled forth, as if the outcome had already been decided.
Liu Xi looked down at Qing Lin, who clung to him in fear. A soft flame flickered to life in his palm—a green flame, gentle yet radiant.
He smiled faintly. "I wonder if a 6th Tier Alchemist's title is enough to make you reconsider. Or perhaps… you don't care about gaining a high-ranking Alchemist as an enemy?"
The effect was instant.
Lu Man's eyes widened beneath her veil, her tone suddenly uncertain. "That flame… could it be… a Heavenly Flame? You're really a 6th Tier Alchemist!?"
"Without a doubt," Liu Xi replied with a casual shrug. "You can verify it if you like."
Even Bai Ya froze midair. A Heavenly Flame, wielded by a mere Dou Wang—there was no mistaking it. And among the higher races of the continent, everyone knew that offending a powerful Alchemist was courting disaster.
For beasts, it was even more so.
Bai Ya, despite being a 6th Rank Magical Beast with the might of a Dou Huang, had never managed to assume human form. His serpentine body still bound him to his cave. For decades, he'd envied humans—their ease of cultivation, their refinement techniques, their freedom. If someone offered him a single 7th Tier Body Transformation Pill, he'd trade his life savings for it without hesitation.
No wonder his killing intent faltered.
Lu Man and Bai Ya both slowly retracted their Dou Qi. They weren't fools. On the Dou Qi Continent, anyone who could command a Heavenly Flame as a Dou Wang was no mere warrior—he was an Alchemist of terrifying potential.
To offend such a person would be suicide.
Softening her tone, Lu Man spoke with courtesy, "Master Alchemist, please don't misunderstand us. We truly mean no harm. According to our Sky Serpent Mansion's records, the Jade Snake Three-Flower Pupils are the natural nemesis of all serpent-type Magical Beasts. The girl can form absolute bonds with them. If she were to join us, she'd be directly appointed Saintess, heir to the Mansion Master's seat."
Bai Ya hurriedly added, "She speaks the truth! We've searched for decades! Every bearer of those eyes can at least reach the Dou Zun Realm—and with the right fate, perhaps even ascend to the Dou Saint Realm itself! She could lead our Mansion to new heights!"
Liu Xi couldn't help but chuckle softly. 'Elder Huo was right—having the title of a high-tier Alchemist really opens doors.'
Since both opponents had backed down, there was no need to press. Smiling lightly, he said, "I don't doubt your sincerity. But Qing Lin is like my own little sister. Naturally, I must think carefully before deciding her path."
At his words, Qing Lin's cheeks flushed crimson. She gazed up at Liu Xi, eyes brimming with affection that went far beyond sisterly devotion.
Lu Man, keenly observant, immediately noticed the look and nearly groaned inwardly. 'He says "sister," but she clearly doesn't agree! Force won't work here. If I offend the future Saintess and a high-tier Alchemist in one day, I'll be finished… time to change tactics.'
She took a graceful step closer, her tone soft as silk. "By the way, my name is Lu Man. This is Bai Ya. May I have the honor of knowing how to address you, Young Master?"
Liu Xi replied politely, "Liu Xi. This is Qing Lin, and beside me stands Senior Hai Bodong."
Meanwhile, Hai Bodong was staring blankly at the sky, expression distant. The battle that never happened, the enemies now chatting pleasantly—it all made him feel oddly nostalgic. 'I'm too old for this, he sighed inwardly. Maybe it's time to retire for real… Ah, I still remember those sunset duels of my youth…'
Lu Man smiled gently. "Since you care so deeply for Qing Lin, you must also know that a solid foundation determines future achievement."
Liu Xi nodded in agreement. "Of course. I've already refined Body Tempering and Essence-Nurturing Pills for her. I'll make sure she lacks nothing for cultivation."
Lu Man resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Of that, I have no doubt. Still, if you ever plan to bring her to the Sky Serpent Mansion, we'd like to make preparations in advance—to show you our sincerity."
Liu Xi pretended to think, then nodded. "I'm heading to the Imperial Capital to visit my teacher first. Afterward, I'll travel for a while. Naturally, the Sky Serpent Mansion is one of my destinations."
Lu Man's eyes flickered thoughtfully. After a moment's decision, she said, "In that case, I'll remain with you for the time being—to better protect Qing Lin and grow closer to her. Bai Ya, you return to the Mansion and report to the Master."
Bai Ya recoiled. "Why me? Why can't you go yourself!?"
"Because you fly faster," Lu Man said sweetly.
"…Tch." Bai Ya grumbled but didn't argue further. Being praised still didn't make him happy.
Lu Man turned back to Liu Xi, bowing slightly. "Then it's decided. During this time, I'll personally ensure your safety, Master Liu Xi."
Liu Xi thought sourly, 'More like making sure I don't run off.' But outwardly, he smiled politely. "With a Dou Huang protecting me, how could I possibly refuse?"
(End of Chapter)
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