Night slowly descended over the Xiao Clan.
The once lively courtyards gradually became silent as disciples returned to their rooms.
Torches flickered along the stone pathways, casting long shadows across the ancient buildings.
But while the clan slept peacefully…
One person was preparing to leave.
Inside a quiet courtyard, Xiao Tian stood beneath a large tree.
His black robe swayed gently in the night wind.
In front of him was a simple wooden table.
On it lay only a small bag.
Inside the bag were a few cultivation pills, some gold coins, and basic supplies for travel.
That was all he needed.
Xiao Tian looked around the courtyard silently.
He had only lived here for a short time in this life.
Yet this place was where his second life began.
But the Xiao Clan was only a starting point.
His true journey lay far beyond this small city.
His gaze slowly turned toward the west.
Toward the endless desert.
The land ruled by the Snake People.
The kingdom of the proud queen—
Medusa.
In the original timeline of the world of Battle Through the Heavens, the Queen of the Snake People would soon attempt a dangerous evolution ritual.
She would use the power of a Heavenly Flame to transform herself into the legendary Heaven Swallowing Python.
But the ritual would nearly kill her.
And eventually…
That flame would fall into the hands of Xiao Yan.
Xiao Tian slowly raised his hand.
A small crimson lotus flame appeared above his palm.
The terrifying Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
The flame flickered quietly like a blooming lotus.
This flame was far stronger than the one Medusa originally used.
If he helped her with this power…
The outcome of her evolution would completely change.
A faint smile appeared on Xiao Tian's face.
"This time…"
"I will arrive first."
A Silent Goodbye
Xiao Tian picked up the bag from the table.
Then he turned and walked toward the courtyard gate.
However—
Just as he stepped outside…
He stopped.
Because someone was already standing there.
A familiar figure.
Leaning calmly against the stone wall.
Xiao Yan.
Xiao Tian sighed softly.
"I thought you might come."
Xiao Yan straightened and walked forward.
Moonlight illuminated his serious expression.
"You're leaving."
It wasn't a question.
Xiao Tian nodded.
"Yes."
Xiao Yan frowned.
"Why?"
"You finally gained recognition in the clan."
"Your future here is bright."
"Why leave now?"
Xiao Tian smiled slightly.
"Because my future isn't here."
The two young men looked at each other silently.
Both understood something.
They were similar.
Both carried secrets.
Both were destined to walk paths far beyond the Xiao Clan.
Xiao Yan crossed his arms.
"I had a feeling about you."
"Your strength grew too fast."
"Your aura is strange."
Then he looked directly into Xiao Tian's eyes.
"You're hiding something big."
Xiao Tian chuckled.
"Aren't you too?"
For a moment—
Xiao Yan froze.
Because those words hit the truth perfectly.
After a short silence, Xiao Yan laughed.
"You're interesting."
He stepped aside from the gate.
"I won't stop you."
"But next time we meet…"
His eyes flashed with determination.
"I won't lose."
Xiao Tian walked past him calmly.
"I look forward to it."
Another Unexpected Guest
But Xiao Tian had barely taken a few steps when another voice suddenly appeared.
"Leaving without saying goodbye?"
A soft and elegant voice.
Xiao Tian stopped again.
He turned slowly.
Standing on the roof of the courtyard wall was a graceful figure in golden robes.
Gu Xuner.
She jumped down lightly and landed in front of him.
Her golden eyes examined him carefully.
"So it's true."
"You're really leaving."
Xiao Tian nodded.
"Yes."
Xuner folded her arms.
"Where are you going?"
"The west."
Xiao Tian replied calmly.
Xuner immediately understood.
"The desert…"
"The Snake People territory."
Even Xiao Yan looked surprised.
"You're going there?!"
Everyone knew that the Snake People were extremely hostile to humans.
Entering their territory was practically suicide.
Xiao Tian simply shrugged.
"I have something to do."
Xuner stared at him for a long moment.
Then she said something unexpected.
"I'll go with you."
Both Xiao Tian and Xiao Yan froze.
"What?"
Xiao Yan looked completely shocked.
"Xuner, are you serious?!"
But Xuner's expression remained calm.
"I'm curious."
She said simply.
"About him."
Her eyes focused on Xiao Tian.
"I want to know your secret."
Xiao Tian shook his head.
"That's a dangerous place."
"You shouldn't follow me."
But Xuner smiled faintly.
"Do you think I'm weak?"
For a moment—
The air around her slightly distorted.
A powerful aura flashed for an instant.
Even Xiao Yan felt surprised.
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow.
He had almost forgotten.
Behind her gentle appearance…
Xuner possessed terrifying strength and an even more terrifying background.
Still—
He sighed.
"This trip will be chaotic."
Xuner simply replied,
"Good."
The Beginning of the Journey
In the end…
The group leaving the Xiao Clan that night consisted of three people.
Xiao Tian.
Xiao Yan.
And Gu Xuner.
They walked quietly through the dark forest outside Wu Tan City.
The moon hung high in the sky.
Xiao Yan finally asked,
"So what exactly are we looking for in the desert?"
Xiao Tian glanced at him.
Then he said calmly.
"A queen."
Xiao Yan blinked.
"A queen…?"
Xuner's eyes narrowed slightly.
"The Snake Queen…"
She whispered.
"Medusa."
Xiao Tian smiled.
"Exactly."
The desert wind slowly began to blow stronger.
Far in the distance…
Beyond countless mountains and forests…
Lay the scorching sands of the Tagore Desert.
And deep within that desert—
A powerful queen was preparing for the most dangerous transformation of her life.
But this time…
Someone else was coming.
Someone who carried the power of the Purifying Demonic Lotus Flame.
Someone who once inherited the will of the Demonic Lotus Saint.
Xiao Tian looked toward the horizon.
His eyes burned with ambition.
"Medusa…"
"This time…"
"Your fate will change."
The three figures slowly disappeared into the darkness.
And their journey toward the desert had officially begun.