When Yue Mei, who had been guarding the perimeter, was called over to have the poison removed, she was completely stunned upon hearing that Lin Yuan had already become an alchemy elder of the Snake-People Tribe, holding a status equal to that of the four great elders.
She could not figure out how, in such a short span of time, a powerful enemy had suddenly become one of their own and not only that, but an elder whose status surpassed hers. However, the hierarchy within the Snake-People Tribe was extremely strict. Despite the confusion filling her heart, Yue Mei still bent slightly and performed a respectful salute.
"Greetings, Alchemist Elder. Thank you for your trouble in detoxifying me."
"Not a problem, not a problem."
Before long, Lin Yuan removed the poison from Yue Mei's body.
"Then everyone, we shall part ways here today. Three days from now, I will head directly to the Snake-People Sacred City," Lin Yuan said. With that, he spread his wings and transformed into a streak of light, flying off into the distance.
After Lin Yuan left, Queen Medusa gazed in the direction of his departure, her eyes distant, as if deep in thought.
"Your Majesty?" the Grand Elder called out to Queen Medusa.
Queen Medusa withdrew her gaze, brushed her green hair aside with her hand, and spoke in a somewhat ethereal voice, "Thank you for your efforts today, elders."
"Your Majesty is too kind. Some matters need not be taken too much to heart. A peerless figure like Alchemist Elder would surely become a dazzling star even in Central Plains. I believe that, in the future, the number of powerful experts defeated by him will be as numerous as the stars in the sky," the Grand Elder said with deep meaning.
"I understand, Grand Elder," Queen Medusa replied absentmindedly.
"Sigh…" Hearing her tone, the Grand Elder let out a sigh. She understood it all too well—this was the tone of someone who had already made a decision in her heart. She then turned to Yue Mei with some helplessness and said, "Yue Mei, today's events must not be revealed to anyone else. Alchemist Elder became an alchemy elder of our Snake-People Tribe at our own initiative. No conflict ever occurred between us. In the future, you must treat him with respect. Do you understand?"
Yue Mei bowed slightly. "Yue Mei understands!"
"Let us go. We're heading back," Queen Medusa called out, and the group flew toward the Snake-People Sacred City.
"If I truly can evolve, perhaps I'll have another chance to compete with him…"
On the other side, within an elegant courtyard in Stone Desert City, Qing Lin sat on a stone stool in the yard. Looking at the familiar surroundings, a trace of nostalgia surfaced in her eyes.
This was precisely the courtyard where she and Young Master had once lived together for a period of time.
Although she had only spent a few months with Young Master, those months felt longer and more unforgettable than the memories of the past dozen years. Just like this courtyard, despite having only been away for a few months, returning now and seeing the familiar scenery filled her with a strong sense of longing.
Qing Lin withdrew her gaze. Realizing that she had already exceeded her cultivation task for the day, she took out a handbook from her storage ring and began to read it. It was a manual on how to efficiently process received information.
These days, as the Heavenly Network had been fully established, Qing Lin discovered that although she could communicate with her many subordinates simultaneously, her ability to process messages and information was still insufficient. She relied heavily on her Young Master's direct guidance. As a result, recently, aside from cultivation, she had been learning how to distinguish truly important and valuable information.
She had asked Lin Yuan about this matter before. Lin Yuan greatly approved of her attitude and explained things to her in detail. He had even personally written a related handbook for her, which was the very one she now held in her hands.
There were quite a few similar works as well—manuals on how to have her subordinates efficiently gather intelligence, manuals on how to command her subordinates in battle, and various related texts. Although she still did not fully understand many of the concepts, she would read and study them during her free time. Qing Lin also greatly enjoyed the experience of discussing problems and solving them together with her Young Master.
Suddenly, as if she had received some information, Qing Lin's lips curved into a smile. A look of understanding appeared in her eyes as she softly murmured, "The Mo Clan's First Elder? He's coming?"
After pondering for a moment, Qing Lin seemed to make a decision. She then took out a handbook on commanding her subordinates in battle and began flipping through it.
Not long after, a streak of green light cut across the sky. Lin Yuan, who had just gone to the Heavenly Flame Cave to drop something off, landed in the courtyard.
Qing Lin put down the handbook and walked over, a bright smile on her face. "Young Master, welcome back."
"Mmm, I'm back, Qing'er. Have you encountered anything unusual on your end?" Seeing how cheerful Qing Lin was upon returning to this courtyard, Lin Yuan revealed a gentle smile. This place seemed to hold a very special meaning for her.
"Yes. There are some matters I need to report to Young Master, but you should come and rest first. You've been busy outside for quite some time these past few days. Why don't I help massage you for a bit? I've had some new insights regarding this recently!" As she spoke, Qing Lin pulled Lin Yuan over to sit on the stone stool.
"All right. Thank you," Lin Yuan replied. After a major battle and various schemes and power struggles, he truly was a bit tired.
"This is what I should do," Qing Lin said as her slender hands gently pressed around Lin Yuan's forehead.
"Mmm~" Lin Yuan let out a comfortable hum. This girl was becoming more and more skilled.
While massaging him, Qing Lin began to talk about the things she had discovered.
"Young Master, when I was setting up the intelligence network around the area these past two days, I suddenly noticed someone monitoring me. I arranged for several of my subordinates to follow them and discovered that their target was my Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. After that, they returned to the Mo Clan's stronghold in Stone Desert City. I just received news that the Mo Clan's First Elder will arrive here tomorrow."
"The Mo Clan's First Elder, Mo Cheng?" Lin Yuan asked. "Qing'er, what do you think?"
"Young Master… may I handle this matter myself?" Qing Lin asked softly. "I want to try applying the things you've taught me before."
"Oh?" Seeing her initiative, Lin Yuan felt very pleased. Ever since Qing Lin began following him, she had been diligently cultivating and studying. Now was indeed the right time for some real combat practice. "Since you have the will, then let me look forward to your performance this time, Qing'er."
"Thank you, Young Master."
The following night.
Within the Mo Clan's stronghold in Stone Desert City, a thin, elderly man with graying hair stood in the center of the main hall. He was none other than the Mo Clan's First Elder—Mo Cheng.
At this moment, his expression was filled with excitement, the greed in his eyes impossible to conceal. Ever since learning of the existence of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, he had long coveted those eyes. Now, at last, he could see the dawn of fulfilling his long-cherished wish. Mo Cheng laughed loudly at the two people kneeling on one knee below him.
"Excellent! Excellent! Mo Si, Mo Wu, you've done very well. Being able to locate the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils this time is a great merit. After the matter is settled, I will certainly reward you handsomely."
"Thank you, First Elder!" the two replied loudly.
"How are things on that side?" Mo Cheng asked.
A middle-aged man beside him answered cautiously, "Reporting to First Elder, following your instructions, we immediately sent word after discovering the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and arranged people to keep watch. At present, Mo Yang and Mo Tie are monitoring the area. If anything happens, they will release a signal immediately. So far, no signal has appeared. It seems there have been no changes."
Mo Cheng flicked his wide sleeves. "Very good. Lead the way. This time, I will personally capture the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils."
More than a dozen figures filed out and headed toward Lin Yuan's residence. When the group reached a stretch of sandy ground midway, they suddenly saw a young girl dressed in green slowly walking toward them under the bright moonlight. Behind her was a Double-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent over four to five zhang long, while two serpent-shaped magical beasts, each about four zhang in length, advanced on either side, clearing the way. All three magical beasts emitted terrifying auras, each radiating the powerful presence of a Fourth-Rank magical beast.
"Y-young lady? What is this…?" the Mo Clan's middle-aged man asked in a flustered voice.
"Aren't you looking for me?" Qing Lin replied calmly. "To avoid you messing up my home, I came here myself."
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