Chapter 564: Affection Remains, Return to the Yuan Manor
Hearing Mo Yu's reassurance, Cai Lin's cold and elegant face softened. She placed great importance on the Serpent Empire, and knowing that Mo Yu's strength could protect it touched a special place in her heart. The once fragile boy from her memories had become her most trusted support.
"Don't worry; our Serpent Empire isn't weak. Over the years, two more commanders besides me have reached Dou Zun, and six others are now high-level Dou Zong," Cai Lin said, her red lips curving slightly as she tried not to seem too reliant on him. "Thanks to your suggestion before you left, our Serpent Empire established equal footing between the Serpent Clan and humans, so we've even attracted a large number of human experts. If the Lion Mingsong didn't have the support of the Soul Hall, they wouldn't stand a chance against us."
Mo Yu paused, a gentle smile forming. He knew Cai Lin's pride well and nodded in agreement. And she was right; the Serpent Empire had transformed. Under the suppression of neighboring empires, the Serpent Clan had nearly fallen to ruin. With fewer experts remaining in their ranks, it had seemed inevitable that humans would eventually consume them. But all of this had changed under Cai Lin's leadership.
As Serpent Clan leader, she was not only naturally gifted but had also bravely used the Green Lotus Core Flame to evolve herself into a Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python—the first to do so in thousands of years. As fate would have it, she also came to share a bond with Mo Yu. While the Serpent Empire was built with Mo Yu's help, it was Cai Lin who had ensured its success.
"You've worked hard all these years." Mo Yu knew how much Cai Lin had poured into the Serpent Empire. Thinking of her efforts, he couldn't help but feel a bit of heartache. Ignoring her shy expression and gentle protests, he held her hands tightly.
After a tender moment, a voice interrupted them.
"Your Majesty, my Lord, the battlefield has been cleared," a Serpent Clan commander reported.
Mo Yu looked over and smiled, recognizing the voice. "Ah, Mubas, is that you? After all these years, do you still have any interest in sparring with me?"
Mubas froze, his face turning red as he answered humbly, "I had been too blind to see, my Lord. I hope you'll forgive me."
After Mo Yu left the Northwestern Continent years ago, he had already defeated a Dou Zong expert. Now, he had returned as a half-saint slayer. Such terrifying power and growth had astounded Mubas, making him break out in a nervous sweat. He couldn't believe he had once dared to challenge Mo Yu.
Seeing his reaction, Mo Yu chuckled and shook his head. The past was long behind him; he wouldn't have even thought of it if he hadn't run into Mubas today.
With Mubas' arrival, Cai Lin blushed and let go of Mo Yu's hand. Resuming her dignified demeanor, she said, "You did well, Mubas. But make sure to collect the fallen soldiers' bodies and provide their families with compensation. Do it now."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Mubas nodded respectfully, relieved that Mo Yu held no grudge. Then, he turned and left to carry out his orders.
"Mubas is a loyal follower of yours, as well as to the Serpent Empire. This could be a good time to consider expanding," Mo Yu suggested.
With the Lion Mingsong defeated, the Northwestern Continent's power balance would shift. The Serpent Empire might now seize a significant portion of it.
Cai Lin considered the idea, her brows furrowing. "Thanks to your help, we defeated the Lion Mingsong and the Soul Hall, but our own forces have been stretched thin after months of conflict."
Mo Yu thought briefly, then smiled. "Don't worry. We now have a space tunnel connecting the Yuan Manor to the Serpent Empire. For your expansion, we can provide support from behind. As for manpower, select reliable Serpent warriors to train at the Yuan Manor. In a few years, they'll return as skilled experts to help you secure your territory."
Cai Lin's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Mo Yu."
"Don't mention it," he replied with a smile. "Besides, Uncle Snake has been in full support of the Serpent Clan's rise. With a half-saint by your side, the future of the Serpent Clan is bright."
…
With the Lion Mingsong resolved, Mo Yu found himself with some free time. Though the Serpent Empire was vast, Cai Lin had organized it into a well-oiled machine over the years, leaving Mo Yu free to enjoy her company.
During this time, he took advantage of the peace to set up the space wormhole scroll given to him by Yao Lao. Tian Snake City, located at the core of the Northwestern Continent, served as the Serpent Empire's capital, making it an ideal point to connect with the Yuan Manor. With the wormhole in place, if the Serpent Empire ever faced a significant threat, the Yuan Manor could send reinforcements almost instantly.
The wormhole would undoubtedly boost the Serpent Empire's strength. With the Yuan Manor's backing, few forces outside the Yan Alliance could match them.
Over the next two days, Mo Yu received some news about the Yan Alliance in the Jia Ma Empire. Apparently, the Lion Mingsong had even sent troops to attack it, and some of the Soul Hall's Seven Tianzun had shown up. Fortunately, Xiao Yan and the experts from the Falling Star Pavilion had arrived in time to repel the attack and secure the Yan Alliance.
Hearing this, Mo Yu decided not to go and lend a hand. The Yan Alliance, built on the Xiao family's foundations, had grown into a formidable force under Xiao Ding and the experts from the Jia Ma Empire. Now that Xiao Yan and the Falling Star Pavilion also backed it, the Yan Alliance's future seemed as bright as the Serpent Empire's.
Deep within the Serpent Empire's palace, Mo Yu and Cai Lin were alone in a quiet room. Gazing at her beauty—cold and regal before others, yet warm and gentle with him—he felt his heart race. However, he calmed himself to discuss business.
"With the Serpent Empire secure, it's time for me to return to Zhongzhou," he said, holding her soft hands.
"So soon…" Cai Lin murmured, her voice filled with reluctance.
"Come with me to Zhongzhou this time," he suggested with a smile.
"Go… to Zhongzhou?" Cai Lin looked surprised, then hesitated. "As the Serpent Empire's queen, it wouldn't be right for me to leave the nation's safety just for a personal reason."
Seeing her hesitation, Mo Yu smiled reassuringly. "No, it's not just about us. It's also about your body's evolution."
"My evolution…" Cai Lin's eyes brightened, her surprise replaced with hope. "Do you mean… the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python?"
Mo Yu nodded. "Yes. Uncle Snake became a half-saint by evolving from a Seven-Winged Purple-Gold Snake into a Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Snake. In the Serpent Clan, aside from the Nine-Winged Purple-Gold Snake, there's also the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, which rivals the strength of the Dragon Clan. We've found a way to help you evolve into the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python. If successful, you'll have the potential to reach the Dou Sheng level."
As an ancient beast, the Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python had the potential to reach Dou Di, though such experts hadn't appeared in thousands of years. Still, hearing Mo Yu's words, Cai Lin's body trembled with excitement.
"Thank you, Mo Yu…" She bit her lip, looking at him with immense gratitude.
"You're my woman, Cai Lin. Helping you evolve is my responsibility. Trust me, I'll do everything to help you become a Nine-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python." He caressed her hand, smiling warmly.
Hearing his vow, Cai Lin's usual regal demeanor softened, and she shyly nodded.
Watching her, Mo Yu felt his heart stir. Her beautiful face, usually cold and commanding, now bore a rare blush, making her even more enchanting. Overcome with affection, he gently wrapped his arms around her waist and leaned in for a kiss. Warmth filled the room as they shared the moment.
…
Three days later.
The wormhole connecting the Yuan Manor was set up in a secure palace chamber. This wormhole would not be made public. Although transporting travelers was lucrative, it was better to keep a low profile to avoid unnecessary attention. Besides the Yan Alliance's wormhole, this was the only other direct route from the Northwestern Continent to Zhongzhou, and news of it would attract envious eyes.
In the vast hall, the dark wormhole hovered in midair, pulsing with immense spatial energy that rippled outward.
"So, this is a space wormhole…"
Cai Lin and the others looked in awe at the wormhole; this was their first time seeing one. Such things were rare in the Northwestern Continent.
Mo Yu nodded with a smile. By his side were Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin. Several Yuan Manor elders had accompanied him, some staying to guard the Serpent Empire and others returning to Zhongzhou.
Once Cai Lin had arranged affairs with her trusted Serpent Clan warriors, she joined Mo Yu at the wormhole.
Mo Yu smiled at her, then took her hand, and they stepped into the wormhole together, vanishing from sight.
Behind them, Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin followed closely, along with the elders and Serpent warriors selected for training at the Yuan Manor.
Watching them disappear, the Serpent Empire's leaders sighed quietly, feeling a sense of loss. They lingered for a moment before turning away.
(End of Chapter)
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