Word Count: 3,353 Words
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Xiao Yan was unsure how well he had fulfilled his role as an inheritor, but he had at least conveyed the tragic news to Venerable Yao's closest friends and delivered his final belongings to those who held him dear.
After leaving the chamber, he and Little Fairy Doctor descended into the main hall. His next plan was to return to the Jia Ma Empire to see Cai Lin. He needed to deliver the pill he had refined for her, but more than that, he wanted to spend some time by her side.
Little Fairy Doctor followed a step behind, her beautiful eyes fixed on his back. A strange light flickered in her gaze, her thoughts unreadable.
After a brief hesitation, she spoke. "Xiao Yan."
"Hmm?" He stopped and turned to face her. "What is it? Have you sensed someone following us?"
A grave look crossed his face. Could it be that powerful expert who had been watching him? Had they discovered his identity as an Honorable Elder of the Hall of Souls?!!
If they were facing a Dou Saint, even Little Fairy Doctor with her complete control over the Woeful Poison Body would be in grave danger.
Little Fairy Doctor shook her head, her eyes meeting his directly. After another moment of hesitation, she asked, "Will you die?"
There was a trace of fear in her voice.
"Everyone dies eventually. Even Dou Gods die."
"That's not what I mean... I mean, will you suddenly..." Little Fairy Doctor could not finish, a pleading light appearing in her eyes as the words caught in her throat.
Xiao Yan was momentarily stunned before understanding dawned on him. The matter of Venerable Yao and Xuan Yi must have struck a deep chord within her.
He grinned, showing off his strong shoulders and wiggling his eyebrows. "Look at these strong arms of mine. Who could possibly kill me?"
With a laugh, he placed his hands on his hips, exuding boundless confidence. "Don't worry. I definitely won't die."
"Let's go. I need to make a trip back to the Jia Ma Empire. I'll come back when the Star Region opens."
Little Fairy Doctor watched him walk ahead. She did not voice her deepest fear. With no father or mother, Xiao Yan was the only person she could truly call family. If he were to die... she could not bear to imagine what her world would become.
…
After returning to the Ye Clan mansion, Xiao Yan arranged for Zi Yan and Little Fairy Doctor to remain in Holy Pill City until his return.
"Qing Lin, you'll come with me to the Jia Ma Empire. Cai Lin might need someone to look after her, and your Snake-People bloodline makes you more suitable," Xiao Yan said after some consideration. This would be his first time as a father; he knew nothing about it.
Qing Lin nodded and smiled. "I understand, Young Master."
She had no idea why the formidable Queen Medusa would need anyone's care. Still, if it was Xiao Yan's request, she would obey without question.
Little did she suspect that the reason she would be caring for the Queen Medusa was because she had just given birth!
"Xiao Yan, you'd better come back!" Zi Yan fixed him with an intense stare. This man had promised a quick return several times before, only to disappear for a year or more. She had suffered through a year of bitter medicinal herbs. It had nearly been the death of her!
"Don't worry. I'm absolutely determined to obtain that Three Thousand Burning Flame. I'll definitely return when the Star Region opens in a month." Xiao Yan handed her several bottles of candy pills. "Here, use these sparingly. They should last you a month."
Zi Yan's face instantly broke into a satisfied smile when she saw so many candy pills. Now that's more like it.
"Elder Yao, I need to return to the Jia Ma Empire. Please look after Zi Yan and the others in my absence."
Venerable Tian Huo, appearing like a mature youth, nodded solemnly.
Xiao Yan and Little Fairy Doctor exchanged a glance, sharing a slight smile. They had reached a point where words were often unnecessary; a deep understanding existed between them.
Just as Xiao Yan was preparing to open a spatial channel to leave Holy Pill City with Qing Lin, a large group from the Ye Clan emerged from the inner courtyard.
Thud!
The entire group, including Xin Lan and Ye Zhong, knelt before Xiao Yan.
"Big Brother Xiao Yan, you have saved our Ye Clan! The entire Ye Clan will never forget this great kindness for all eternity!" Xin Lan's eyes filled with tears as she prostrated herself completely.
Xiao Yan was startled by such a grand gesture and said in a deep voice, "All of you, stand up." With a wave of his hand, a powerful burst of Spiritual Strength gently lifted everyone to their feet. "I don't care for such formalities. Besides, I could only save you once. In the next assessment, you'll have to rely on your own strength."
Because of him, the Five Great Clans' assessment had gained an additional condition: no outside help could be requested, not even under the guise of son-in-law or fiancé.
He had single-handedly changed the Pill Tower's rules!
Xiao Yan then looked at Xin Lan and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Xin Lan, your talent is not weak. You've just been troubled by the Ye Clan's affairs and couldn't concentrate on cultivating your alchemy skills. Keep it up. I believe you can rely on your own strength to win the next assessment."
Xin Lan nodded firmly in response.
Xiao Yan waved his hand and the Earth Seed Flame of the Nihility Devouring Flame surged out, burning through the void and creating a black flame channel. Then, he took Qing Lin and traveled through it toward the Jia Ma Empire at the fastest possible speed.
Little did he know that not long after, the Ye Clan would voluntarily relinquish their position among the Five Great Clans, selling their seat to the Xiang Clan at a high price before applying to join the Yan Alliance and becoming its Medicine Hall!
…
Xiao Yan traveled with a sense of urgency, fully activating the Flame Mantra to maximize the power of the Earth Seed Flame. The Flame Mantra constantly compressed space, enabling them to surpass even low-star Dou Venerates in speed.
In less than two days, they had crossed nearly half the Dou Qi Continent and returned to the borders of the Jia Ma Empire.
In Cai Lin's royal chambers, the four great elders of the Snake-People Tribe stood at the four cardinal directions. Together, they channeled a secret Snake-People technique, surrounding Cai Lin—now in her massive serpent form—with a seven-colored energy dome to assist with her delivery.
Nearly two days had passed, yet the child remained unborn. Its energy signature continued to rise, drawing on Cai Lin's strength!
"Such a powerful aura!" The four great elders were all at peak Dou Emperor or even half-step Dou Ancestor strength, but even their combined efforts could barely contain the child in Cai Lin's womb enough to facilitate a smooth delivery.
"How is this possible! Not yet born, yet its strength has already reached peak Dou Emperor! No—this is half-step Dou Ancestor level!" the Third Elder's face registered shock. Though they knew Cai Lin had used the Snake-People's highest-level secret method, along with a soul pill from the Hun Clan—guaranteeing an exceptionally powerful birth—this far exceeded their expectations!
"Wait… I sense more than one life signature! Could it be twins?!" the Second Elder suddenly exclaimed, detecting not one but two distinct life forces!
"Look out!" The First Elder, strongest among them, cried out in warning as a powerful burst of seven-colored energy exploded from within the energy dome. A force of terrifying might swept through the chamber like a violent gale.
Puff!
The four elders suffered heavy blows, coughing up blood as they were sent flying backward. With a boom, they crashed into the walls.
"Dou... Dou Ancestor?!!"
The elders felt their scalps tingle with fear. Born with the strength of a Dou Ancestor?! This was simply impossible!
This was likely something neither Xiao Yan nor Cai Lin had expected. Heavenly Flame had tempered Cai Lin's body, possessed the noble seven-colored bloodline of the Heaven Swallowing Python, and had absorbed Half-Saint Essence Blood from the Jade-Eyed Snake Saint's legacy. Add to that the fact that Xiao Yan had already refined several Heavenly Flames at the time of conception…
The resulting child's power had completely exceeded all expectations!
Just as the energy dome was about to shatter, two yin-yang fish broke through the void, expelling black and white bubbles that enveloped Cai Lin.
"Heavenly Flame Dou Technique—Yin-Yang Dual Extremes."
Xiao Yan's voice echoed through the void as the Yin-Yang Twin Flame transformed into a two-colored fire. The Life Flame protected Cai Lin while the Death Flame dissolved the terrifying energy storm.
The space was distorted. It was undoubtedly Xiao Yan who had arrived.
He summoned the Ten Thousand Beast Flame from his Acceptance Soul and, with a series of hand seals, merged it with the Yin-Yang Twin Flame to create a new kind of Heavenly Flame. This new flame was called the Ten Thousand Beast Yin-Yang Flame.
The three-colored flame transformed into life-force-imbued wisps that descended and slowly seeped into Cai Lin's body. Xiao Yan could clearly sense the excruciating pain she was experiencing.
Yet, despite this agony, Cai Lin hadn't uttered a single cry; she gritted her teeth and endured.
Qing Lin, who had accompanied Xiao Yan, was utterly stunned by this scene. The infamous Queen Medusa... was pregnant?!!
When had this happened?
Qing Lin was abruptly jolted to her senses. She looked at her Young Master, who was far more nervous than he had been at the Pill Gathering. The expression on her face was a sight to behold.
Young Master Xiao Yan and Queen Medusa had created life together!
So this was why he had wanted her to come back and help care for someone!
Qing Lin stood there in a daze, looking as if she had discovered something incredible, her mind nearly shutting down from the shock.
The flames Xiao Yan summoned now were extraordinarily gentle. The merged Heavenly Flames released thin strands of fire that slowly descended onto Cai Lin's body.
Each wisp was like the touch of spring upon frozen earth, its caress so delicate it could melt ice. Carrying the energy that enhanced magical beasts' vitality, along with the Life Flame's warmth, Xiao Yan manipulated the flames with incredible precision, soothing the restless new life.
Supported by Xiao Yan's Heavenly Flames, Cai Lin in her true serpent form found some relief from her pain. She opened her eyes, seeing Xiao Yan's forehead beaded with sweat as he concentrated on controlling the flames.
It was the first time she had ever seen him look so nervous, and her gaze softened considerably.
Under the influence of Xiao Yan's merged flames and spiritual guidance, the restless new life gradually calmed. As the child settled, Cai Lin's breathing slowly returned to normal.
"Cai Lin, in a moment I will use the Heavenly Flames to nurture your bloodline and physical form," Xiao Yan said after taking a deep breath. This was countless times more nerve-wracking than the Pill Gathering.
This was not alchemy, after all!
Cai Lin didn't utter a word, just nodded as the bloodline within her started to boil and circulate.
One must know that on the Dou Qi Continent, giving birth to a powerful infant posed extreme danger to the mother.
When Cao Ying was born, her Spiritual Strength was so powerful she nearly killed her mother. As for Dan Chen, Xiao Yan did not know the details but could guess some of them.
Now, the unborn child had already broken through to Dou Ancestor level, and Xiao Yan sensed another life form as well, though its energy fluctuations were much weaker.
Even with Cai Lin's Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline and half-step Dou Venerate cultivation, this remained an extremely perilous situation!
Clap!
Xiao Yan brought his hands together, and he and Cai Lin exerted their strength at the same time. Qing Lin could not help but hold her breath. The four great elders, despite their injuries, did the same.
All eyes fixed on Xiao Yan and Cai Lin's every move. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make the slightest sound for fear of disturbing Xiao Yan's concentration.
Then, the cry of an infant rang out. A dazzling seven-colored light burst forth, as brilliant and beautiful as a rainbow stretching across the sky.
"It's out!"
Xiao Yan focused his eyes intently. He grabbed the bedsheet and moved to the side of the severely weakened Cai Lin with lightning-like speed, wrapping the blanket around her perfect, now human form.
Her face was frighteningly pale. It was the first time he had seen her appear so vulnerable. A large pool of blood had formed on the chamber floor, an amount that alarmed even Xiao Yan.
Despite her formidable strength, this level of blood loss was extremely dangerous.
Seeing her in such a weakened state caused him great heartache. He understood the difficulty of being a mother, understood the great pain she had endured.
His arms held her delicate body tightly. He took a tier 8 healing pill from his storage ring, touched her soft red lips, gently opened her pearly teeth, and placed the pill inside.
The medicinal pill dissolved into a warm current that gradually restored her energy. Only then did a hint of color return to her face.
"The child…" Cai Lin struggled to open her eyes. In this moment, she displayed none of her usual imposing authority, only the tenderness of a mother.
It was difficult to imagine this was the same ruthless ruler of the Snake-People Tribe.
"Don't worry, they're both fine." Xiao Yan's Ten Thousand Beast Yin-Yang Flame enveloped a crying infant radiating seven-colored light.
Peculiarly, this baby was born holding a seven-colored snake egg. The object emitting the brilliant light was precisely this fist-sized egg.
It was a pair of twins!
The infant had inherited the human bloodlines of both Xiao Yan and Cai Lin, along with the power of Heavenly Flames. The seven-colored egg, meanwhile, contained Cai Lin's Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python bloodline and Xiao Yan's Spiritual Strength.
Xiao Yan could clearly sense that the soul connection he had formed with Cai Lin—the soul embryo—was contained within this egg!
He guided the infant with his flames and brought the child before Cai Lin.
Once she saw that the baby was safe, a smile that only a mother could have had spread across Cai Lin's beautiful face. As if sensing her presence or moved by her maternal smile, the crying infant fell silent and began to laugh, reaching out with tiny hands to touch her cheek.
Crack!
The snake egg broke open. A small, somewhat lazy-looking, pure white snake emerged from the shell. In the light, the initially white snake began to emit a subtle, seven-colored glow that was incredibly beautiful to behold.
The seven-colored snake, seeing the Heavenly Flame surrounding it, opened its mouth and actually swallowed it all. Having eaten its fill, it curled up and promptly fell asleep.
Xiao Yan, meanwhile, found himself momentarily entranced by Cai Lin's gentle smile. He closed his eyes briefly, and when he opened them again, they held a newfound determination. Softly, he said, "Let's hold a wedding ceremony. It would be good to make things official."
At his sudden words, Cai Lin's body stiffened in his embrace.
Xiao Yan looked at her rigid posture and somewhat bewildered expression. Her typically cold and beautiful face was replaced, for once, with a rare blush that made her even more enchanting.
Witnessing such a captivating sight, Xiao Yan felt a warmth in his chest. He held their child in his arms and encircled her delicate waist with his other arm, smiling gently. Then, under Cai Lin's emotionally charged gaze, he leaned down and kissed her softly. In that moment, the warm room filled with an unspoken tenderness.
"Let's name our daughter Xiao Xiao."
…
Though Xiao Yan had wanted a grand ceremony, the thoughtful Cai Lin declined. In the end, they simply invited the upper echelons of the Yan Alliance and Xiao Yan's closest relatives for a small gathering to make the announcement.
At this intimate wedding, Xiao Zhan was overjoyed to learn that he had a granddaughter. He insisted on drinking with the clan elders until they were all thoroughly intoxicated.
When the Yan Alliance leadership discovered that Xiao Yan had not only married the infamous Queen Medusa but had also secretly fathered a child with her, they were utterly dumbfounded.
Hai Bodong gave Xiao Yan a thumbs up. You actually managed this! That's even more impressive than winning the Pill Gathering!
As for Ya Fei, Xiao Yu, and Xiao Mei—the three women who had rushed over from Xiao City—their beautiful eyes contained a hint of barely detectable envy.
Ya Fei especially. The longing and subtle resentment in her gaze made Xiao Yan's heart skip a beat.
This was understandable. She had always assumed Xiao Yan would inevitably marry Xun Er, yet it was Queen Medusa who had become his wife first!
This realization stirred something within her. Perhaps she too could seize the initiative?
In the days that followed, Xiao Yan fully embraced his role as a father, suffering daily the pain of having his hair mercilessly pulled by a Dou Ancestor-level infant.
Xiao Xiao's strength had already reached the Dou Ancestor level. Though she had received no training and possessed no techniques, under circumstances where Xiao Yan could not counterattack or defend, it was still extremely painful!
Fortunately, Qing Lin the little maid was here. Her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils could calm Xiao Xiao, and with her formidable strength, she was the only one besides Cai Lin who could properly look after the child.
After consuming the First Start Pill, Xiao Xiao's physical constitution grew stronger day by day.
As for the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, Xiao Yan discovered its strength was quite weak, far inferior to Xiao Xiao's. It was only at Rank 3 magical beast level upon birth. However, he could clearly sense the terrifying bloodline strength dormant within it.
Unfortunately, without the Heaven Swallowing Python's inheritance or appropriate medicinal pills, he had no way to develop its potential.
…
In a secluded courtyard deep within the Yan Alliance territory, Xiao Yan stood at the edge of a cliff, gazing into the distance. Nearby, Cai Lin held Xiao Xiao in her arms. She had not attended to the Snake-People Tribe's affairs during this time, choosing instead to remain constantly by Xiao Yan's side.
This peaceful life was something neither of them had experienced for many years.
"Thinking about how to tell her?" Cai Lin asked as she approached with Xiao Xiao. The 'her' she referred to was naturally Xun Er.
The enlightenment they had shared had revealed to Cai Lin the relationship between Xiao Yan and Xun Er, and how his desperate quest to collect Heavenly Flames was motivated by the powerful Gu Clan.
Xiao Yan smiled tenderly, gently stroking both Xiao Xiao's cheek and the Heaven Swallowing Python curled up on her. "Whether intentional or not, I must give Xun Er an explanation. I can't keep hesitating forever."
A flash of pain crossed Cai Lin's eyes as she took Xiao Yan's hand. She also had a responsibility in this matter.
He patted her hand gently. "Don't worry, I'll handle it. If the Gu Clan tries to make trouble over this, I won't back down."
Just at that moment, a spiritual message was suddenly transmitted. Venerable Tian Huo had crushed the soul jade piece Xiao Yan had given him!
The moment he received the spiritual message, Xiao Yan's eyes widened in shock.
The content from Venerable Tian Huo was extremely brief: "The Hall Chief has given the order: destroy Holy Pill City!"