Inside the room, Qing Lin's face was alight with excitement.
She didn't fully understand the significance of what had just happened, but her youthful curiosity made it all the more fascinating and amusing.
Seeing her enthusiasm, a faint smile tugged at Gu He's lips.
'It seems Qing Lin's Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils has fully awakened now.'
"Qing Lin, come here." Gu He beckoned the girl over and gently rolled up her sleeve.
His eyes immediately caught sight of a cyan scale—and beside it, a serpentine pattern.
This snake-like marking was none other than the Twin-Headed Fire Spirit Serpent from earlier.
"Teacher…" The moment Gu He exposed the scales on her arm, Qing Lin's excitement vanished, replaced by a flicker of timidity.
"Don't be nervous," Gu He reassured her, pinching her soft cheeks with a smile. "Haven't I taught you not to care about what others think?"
"Besides, these scales are quite beautiful. Why be ashamed of them?"
Seeing that Gu He didn't despise the scales, Qing Lin relaxed slightly, her complexion returning to normal. But when she noticed him intently studying her arm, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks.
Gu He, however, was lost in thought as he examined the pattern.
'In the original story, Qing Lin later developed the ability to create a spatial dimension within her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils—one capable of storing the magical beasts she subdued.'
'The size of this space would expand as her strength grew, and the beasts within would gradually be absorbed by her, though the process was slow and dependent on her own power.'
'Yet, it seems Qing Lin hasn't unlocked this spatial ability yet. Is it because her strength is still insufficient?'
Gu He frowned slightly.
He had no idea how to further develop the potential of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
'In the original timeline, Qing Lin was taken in by the Heavenly Snake Mansion, where her abilities were nurtured.'
'Does that mean the Sky Serpent Mansion possesses secret techniques to awaken the full power of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?'
'If that's the case, I might have to pay them a visit someday.'
If his strength allowed it, Gu He wouldn't hesitate to seize all their secret methods—anything to ensure Qing Lin's growth wouldn't be hindered.
As for sending her to the Sky Serpent Mansion? The thought had never crossed his mind.
'What a joke! How could I ever hand over my disciple to them?'
Gu He was confident that, given his rapid progress, it wouldn't be long before he could overpower the Sky Serpent Mansion entirely.
For now, he would keep Qing Lin by his side, focusing on improving her strength step by step.
'If nothing else, I can always capture more serpentine magical beasts for her to subdue. That should also help develop her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.'
Meanwhile, the little girl was staring at the snake pattern on her arm in wonder, unable to comprehend how such a massive creature had been sealed within her.
Seeing her curiosity, Gu He chuckled softly.
Then, his mind drifted back to the system notification he had received earlier.
'A Tier 7 magical beast—the Scarlet Flame Demon Python!'
'Looks like I've gained another formidable pet.'
A faint smirk played on his lips as he willed his consciousness into the system space.
The moment he arrived, his gaze fell upon a crimson orb of light hovering in the space.
Gu He extended a wisp of soul power, making contact with the orb.
Instantly, a flood of information surged into his mind—details about the Scarlet Flame Demon Python.
A moment later, he opened his eyes, now fully acquainted with the beast's attributes.
The Scarlet Flame Demon Python, possessing the bloodline of an eighth-tier magical beast, was a mid-level seventh-tier entity—equivalent to a six or seven-star Dou Emperor in human terms.
A fire-attribute creature, it excelled in flame-based attacks, and its defensive capabilities were nothing short of astounding.
As the information settled in his mind, Gu He's smirk deepened.
"System, extract the Scarlet Flame Demon Python."
The moment he spoke, the crimson orb trembled before dissipating, revealing a colossal figure.
Now, Gu He could see the beast in its full glory.
It resembled a massive python, its scarlet body adorned with fierce, jagged scales. Two horns protruded from its head, and as it writhed, the surrounding space rippled violently.
After twisting in the space for a moment, the Scarlet Flame Demon Python descended before Gu He.
"Master!"
A deep, thunderous voice rumbled from its maw.
Gu He gave an approving nod.
'Its appearance might be fearsome, but its aura is undeniably majestic—definitely not an embarrassment to summon.'
"Do you have a name?" Gu He asked coolly.
The beast shook its massive head. "No, but I would like to have one, Master!"
After a brief pause, Gu He declared, "From now on, you shall be called Chi Jiao."
"Chi Jiao…"
The Scarlet Flame Demon Python repeated the name before bowing deeply. "This one thanks Master for the honor."
"Remain here for now," Gu He instructed. "I'll summon you in a few days."
"As you wish, Master."
With that, Gu He withdrew his consciousness, returning to the physical world.
As his senses settled back into his body, he noticed Qing Lin still examining the serpentine mark on her arm.
Just as he was about to speak, his spiritual perception alerted him to approaching figures.
Extending his soul power, he recognized the Xiao brothers heading their way.
'They must have gathered the ingredients for the Purple Jade Pill.'
Knock, knock, knock!
Moments later, a series of raps came at the door.
"Master Gu, Xiao Ding requests an audience," came the respectful call from outside.
Startled, Qing Lin hastily pulled her sleeve back down, concealing her arm.
"Enter," Gu He replied indifferently.
The door creaked open as the Xiao brothers stepped inside.
Xiao Ding presented a wrapped bundle. "Master Gu, these are the materials required to refine the Purple Jade Pill."
Gu He motioned for Qing Lin to take it. "Return tomorrow for the pill."
Xiao Ding's face lit up with gratitude. "Many thanks, Master Gu. We are in your debt."
With their task complete and sensing Gu He's disinterest in further conversation, the brothers bowed and took their leave.
…
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