"It's finally begun, huh…" Xiao Hua murmured as he watched the entire process unfold. His gaze remained fixed on the purple cocoon where the Little Fairy Doctor had fallen into dormancy.
"Another cocoon, again…" he added softly, a faint trace of exasperation and weariness flickering in his eyes.
'The last time I saw a lady fall into slumber within a cocoon… it took few months for them to awaken,' Xiao Hua thought with a sigh, resignation settling heavily in his chest.
"Is something wrong with the cocoon, Young Master Xiao Hua?" Qing Lin, having overheard his quiet muttering, asked curiously.
"Nothing…" Xiao Hua shook his head and turned toward her. He gazed at her thoughtfully for a moment, his silence making Qing Lin slightly flustered.
"Qing Lin, I'm curious about something. Could you stand still for a moment?"
"Of course…" Though confused, Qing Lin nodded obediently, her manners as graceful as ever.
Xiao Hua stepped closer and bent slightly, gazing intently into her beautiful, jade-like green eyes. Under the weight of his stare, Qing Lin's face gradually turned red, a mix of embarrassment and quiet joy surfacing within her.
Deep within her pupils, he noticed three faint, dark green spots subtly hidden. As he continued to stare, he felt his spirit stir slightly, though nothing beyond that occurred.
"Young Master…" Qing Lin whispered softly, her voice trembling. She felt as though she could no longer endure his gaze.
Realizing she was reaching her limit, Xiao Hua smiled helplessly and straightened his posture.
"Sorry about that. I just wanted to confirm something," he said, gently rubbing her head. Then, taking a step back, he began pacing slowly, rubbing his chin in thought, clearly pondering something.
As he withdrew, Qing Lin let out a quiet sigh of relief. Her timid and shy nature simply couldn't handle Xiao Hua's intense gaze. She glanced at his handsome features, her heart fluttering with amazement.
'I just realized… his appearance really isn't good for my weak heart…' she thought deeply. She truly believed that someone with Xiao Hua's extraordinary looks was dangerous for someone like her—gentle and easily flustered.
But with a light shake of her head, she pushed those thoughts aside and refocused. Ignoring the warmth still lingering in her cheeks, Qing Lin spoke up, "Is there something wrong with me, Young Master Xiao Hua?"
"There's nothing wrong with you, Qing Lin," Xiao Hua said with a gentle smile, rubbing her head affectionately. After a brief moment, he withdrew his hand and added, "However, rather than hearing it from me, it's better if someone else explains why I was staring at you."
"Someone else?" Qing Lin tilted her head in confusion, wondering if he meant Sister Zi Yan. But to her surprise, it wasn't anyone she expected—and the person in question was far more significant.
Xiao Hua nodded with a soft smile and closed his eyes. Speaking inwardly to the one within his spiritual sea, he said, "Sister Azure, if you would."
In response, an emerald-colored glow rose from his body. The glow pulsed with a radiant light before a graceful figure emerged from within, standing with effortless elegance and poise.
"This is Sister Azure," Xiao Hua introduced, "the one who taught me alchemy. There's another—Sister Xue Yue—but she prefers to remain within my spiritual sea unless absolutely necessary."
Noticing the stunned expression on Qing Lin's face, Xiao Hua smiled and continued the introduction as Lady Azure returned the gaze with a gentle, serene smile.
"In any case, I consider both her and Sister Xue Yue to be like elder sisters to me. Perhaps… even more important than my own life."
Hearing Xiao Hua speak of how important Lady Azure and Lady Xue Yue were to him, Qing Lin snapped out of her daze. She quickly cupped her hands and bowed slightly, speaking in a hurried yet respectful manner.
"Greetings, Lady Azure."
"Hehe, there's no need to be stiff like that. It's not like I'm going to eat you," Lady Azure said with a light giggle, clearly amused by Qing Lin's flustered behavior. "Anyway, I should be the one to explain why that child was staring at you."
The soothing, melodious tone of Lady Azure's voice calmed Qing Lin's anxious heart. Feeling her nervousness slowly melt away, she focused all her attention on the elegant figure before her.
Seeing that Qing Lin had relaxed and was listening intently, Lady Azure began her explanation.
"You, little girl, possess the 'Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils'—a pair of mysterious and magical eyes."
"Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils?" Qing Lin repeated softly, her expression puzzled as she tried to grasp the unfamiliar term.
Noticing her confusion, Lady Azure nodded gently, already anticipating such a reaction. She began to explain with a calm and steady voice.
"How should I put this... The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils are extremely rare and peculiar inborn eyes, appearing only in the offspring of a human and a Snakeman."
She paused briefly, her eyes quietly observing Qing Lin's expression. When she saw that Qing Lin showed no sign of discomfort or rejection, Lady Azure nodded in satisfaction.
She had been slightly concerned that Qing Lin might react negatively due to past traumas—but it seemed her worries were unnecessary.
"These pupils possess a unique ability: to induce hallucinations in others when mastered properly. While that may sound minor at first, in a life-or-death battle where a single breath decides the victor, such a power becomes incredibly dangerous."
She smiled with a hint of amusement, her eyes twinkling.
"Just imagine—being able to throw your opponent into a daze mid-fight, or even causing them to strike down their own companion. Now tell me, how would that feel?"
Lady Azure's playful grin deepened as she posed the question, clearly enjoying the thought.
"Uh… that would be incredibly terrifying…" Qing Lin replied hesitantly. Lacking real combat experience, she couldn't fully grasp the implications, so her answer came out a bit vague.
Lady Azure chuckled softly at her innocent response. After a moment, she continued to explain more about the mysterious power of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
"In addition to inducing hallucinations, these pupils are considered the natural nemesis of all snake-type Magical Beasts. This is because they have the potential to form a one-sided, forceful bond with such creatures."
She paused briefly, then added with a light smile, "You can think of this kind of bond as a rare and mysterious contract. The contracted Magical Beasts can even be stored within a unique space that exists inside the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils themselves."
"Of course," she added, her tone turning slightly more serious, "there are always exceptions so don't let your guards down when you go against a snake-type Magical Beast just because you possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils."
"That's…" Qing Lin's heart trembled, a wave of astonishment surging through her as she listened to the explanation of the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
Though she lacked combat experience, as a native of Rock Desert City, she was well aware of how terrifying the second ability of those pupils truly was.
"Still, they've yet to awaken. Most likely, they need some kind of stimulus…" Lady Azure stepped closer to Qing Lin, her gaze focused intently on the dormant Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils hidden deep within her eyes.
"Even so, no matter the method, Qing Lin has to agree to it first," Xiao Hua interjected, shaking his head gently. He turned to face Qing Lin and said calmly, "You've heard everything. Now it's your choice—do you wish to awaken the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, or let them remain dormant?"
Qing Lin lowered her head, her gaze falling to the floor as she sank into deep thought. Xiao Hua and Lady Azure exchanged a glance, then remained silent, giving her space.
After all, they both understood—this was a decision only she could make.
After a long moment of silence, Qing Lin slowly lifted her head. In the depths of her jade-green eyes, a light began to shimmer—resolute and unshakable, like the steady flame of a lantern against the night wind.
Both Xiao Hua and Lady Azure could already sense the choice she had made, even before her lips parted.
"I will," she said at last, her voice soft yet filled with unwavering determination. "I wish to awaken the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils... and stand by Young Master Xiao Hua's side. I want to remain with you, even if only as your humble servant."
Though Xiao Hua's expression stayed composed, a subtle flicker of concern appeared in his eyes. His gaze, deep and steady, met hers.
"Are you certain?" He asked, his expression turning serious. "Staying by my side means stepping into a world of conflict. I have enemies I'm destined to face, and battles that may cost lives. You still have a chance to live a peaceful life—free of bloodshed, free of fear."
Though he knew her answer wouldn't change, he still gave her the chance to turn back—because he didn't want her to look back one day with regret in her heart.
In response, Qing Lin's delicate face bloomed with a smile—one that radiated warmth and unwavering devotion. Like a flower standing tall in the midst of a raging storm, it did not falter—fragile, yet beautiful beyond compare.
In that moment, she seemed like a gentle spring breeze refusing to bend beneath winter's chill.
"For me, the only place I can truly call home—the only warmth I've ever known—is wherever Young Master Xiao Hua, Sister Little Fairy Doctor, and Sister Zi Yan are. That's why... even if death frightens me, the thought of not being by your side is far colder—far more terrifying—than death itself."
Qing Lin had experienced the cruelty of the people—mockery, disdain, rejection. She had been treated as a curse, as if her very presence brought misfortune. That's why, to her, Xiao Hua was like a beacon of light in a long and lonely darkness—a light she never wanted to lose.
'Let death come. I will not run. I will not waver nor fear. Even if the entire world becomes my enemy... I will stand by Young Master's side,' she vowed silently, her heart a well of unwavering conviction.
If those enemies were powerful, then she would grow stronger. She would train, improve, and one day surpass them—just to stand beside Xiao Hua and protect him.
Besides, she knew well—Xiao Hua's strength meant he would not remain in the Tager Desert, nor even within the borders of the Jia Ma Empire. His path would stretch far beyond.
And if awakening the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils meant she could be of help to him, even a little—then she would gladly do it.
As long as it allowed her to remain by his side and serving him not just with loyalty, but with all her heart and soul.
"Then, let's begin awakening the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils," Lady Azure said with a soft clap, lightening the weight of the previous discussion. With a graceful wave of her hand, she beckoned Xiao Hua to come closer.
Xiao Hua's brow twitched. Somehow, he had a feeling she was about to suggest something he wouldn't like. Still, he stepped forward, curious about her plan to stimulate the awakening.
As he leaned in, bringing his ear closer, Lady Azure whispered into it with a smile, careful not to let Qing Lin overhear.
When her words reached him, Xiao Hua's brows furrowed deeply, a faint frown tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Are you insane?" He muttered, unable to hold back his reaction. Just as he suspected, her plan was absolutely ridiculous—so much so that he couldn't help cursing at one of the sisters he deeply respected.
"This is the best way," Lady Azure replied with a carefree tone, waving her hand dismissively. "Besides, with your strength, nothing will go wrong."
Xiao Hua let out a long sigh, exasperation clear in his expression. After a moment of pondering, he turned to Qing Lin and asked seriously, "Qing Lin, do you trust me with your life?"
Qing Lin didn't hesitate for even a heartbeat. With a gentle smile, she replied, "From the moment you reached out your hand to me, my life has been yours, Young Master Xiao Hua."
Xiao Hua nodded silently and gently rubbed Qing Lin's small head before turning around. In the next instant, his figure flickered and shot toward the crypt.
A scorching wind howled past his ears as the temperature around him rapidly rose. Yet, as someone who possessed five Primordial Heavenly Flames, the intense heat didn't faze him in the slightest.
Even so, he cloaked his body in an autumn-orange flame to prevent his clothes from being scorched into ash.
Splosh—!
With a sharp splash, Xiao Hua dove straight into the magma, sending fiery red liquid bursting in all directions.
He descended deeper and deeper, ignoring the molten beauty surrounding him. Within the glowing sea of magma, crimson waves danced and shifted, but his focus remained undisturbed.
After several minutes of diving, the red hue of the magma began to shift, taking on a faint greenish tint. This change marked a sudden spike in temperature—a threshold of danger even for Dou Huang experts.
Xiao Hua halted his descent.
At the border of this green-tinted region, his sharp gaze locked onto the figure he was searching for—an enormous two-headed snake, its massive body coiled silently in the blazing depths.
This creature was the key to safely awaken Qing Lin's Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupil.
The creature before him was the Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent, a fourth-ranked Magical Beast—equivalent in power to a Dou Ling. If it were fortunate enough to evolve, it could reach the sixth rank, comparable to a Dou Huang.
The serpent stared back at Xiao Hua, its twin heads hissing menacingly before letting out a thunderous roar, warning him not to come any closer.
However, Xiao Hua's expression remained calm and indifferent. He took a step forward—and in the blink of an eye, his figure vanished, reappearing directly in front of the massive serpent.
Before it could even react, Xiao Hua unleashed a powerful roar of his own. Though it contained no Dou Qi or special effects, the sound thundered like a violent storm, mimicking the roar of a Thunder Beast—an instinctively terrifying sound for most Magical Beasts.
As expected, the serpent's massive body trembled uncontrollably. Fear surged through it, turning its scales pale. Overwhelmed by instinctual terror, it abruptly spun around and bolted, darting past Xiao Hua at lightning speed—surprisingly fast for a beast of its size.
Xiao Hua didn't pursue it.
He simply turned, watching with a faint sigh as the terrified serpent fled. His expression showed a hint of irritation.
Then, he concealed his aura and presence, casually following behind the beast at a slow pace.
'Sister Azure, I hope this ridiculous plan actually works…' he muttered inwardly, exasperated by Lady Azure's unconventional idea. Still, his speed quickened slightly—his concern for Qing Lin weighing on his heart.
A few minutes later, the Two-Headed Flame Spirit Serpent burst through the surface of the magma with violent force, sending molten lava splashing in every direction.
As it emerged, it sensed a small, weak presence near the edge of the tunnel. Believing it to be related to Xiao Hua—and assuming he would be distracted by whatever treasure lay deep within the magma—it let out a furious roar in Qing Lin's direction.
What's more, it caught the faint scent of a Snake-People bloodline within her, instantly piquing its interest. Opening its massive maw, it released a powerful suction force that pulled Qing Lin off her feet. She flipped midair before crashing down at the mouth of the tunnel.
"Ah!"
Qing Lin cried out in pain as she hit the ground hard. Turning around with a grimace, her pupils shrank in terror—the enormous serpent was closing in on her fast.
"Don't come any closer..." she pleaded, her delicate face pale as she crawled backward.
"Hiss..."
The Flame Spirit Serpent opened one of its massive jaws, and in the next instant, its tongue shot forward like a bolt of lightning.
Mid-flight, the soft tongue turned rigid—hardened like steel—as it aimed to pierce directly into Qing Lin's chest.
"Ah!"
Qing Lin squeezed her eyes shut and let out a sharp, piercing scream.
Then—just a heartbeat later—her eyes snapped open.
On her emerald-green eyes, three tiny dark green spots suddenly emerged and lit up with a radiant, glowing brilliance. The intense emerald light shone outward, announcing the awakening of the legendary pupils—
The Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
The Flame Spirit Serpent froze in place, its mind suddenly shaken as it stared blankly into the radiant, emerald-green light glowing from Qing Lin's eyes.
Moments later, the three glowing spots beside her eyes transformed into three tiny, vivid green flowers—blossoming instantly within her pupils.
As the strange, flower-shaped pupils formed, a brilliant green light burst forth from Qing Lin's eyes and struck the Flame Spirit Serpent directly.
The instant the light enveloped it, the massive serpent's body stiffened unnaturally. Its twin heads trembled slightly, and its huge eyes were now filled with unmistakable fear as they stared at the small girl standing before it.
The strange glow drifted slowly across the serpent's enormous body, finally coming to a halt between the foreheads of both snake heads. Once it settled, the glow began to contract—becoming smaller and denser. As it shrank, the intensity of its brilliance grew more concentrated.
Eventually, the light compressed into a palm-sized area. At that moment, a narrow beam of green radiance shot forth and etched two delicate green flowers onto each of the serpent's foreheads—one for each head.
As soon as the floral marks appeared, the glow began to fade away. A heartbeat later, the tiny flowers within Qing Lin's eyes vanished, and her pupils returned to their original deep green hue—calm and unassuming, as if nothing had happened.
After her eyes returned to normal, Qing Lin's body swayed unsteadily. Her eyelids drooped, and she collapsed. But before she could hit the ground, Xiao Hua appeared beside her like a gust of wind, gently catching her in his arms.
The moment he did, Lady Azure also appeared, her gaze filled with concern as she looked at the unconscious Qing Lin.
Xiao Hua quickly checked her condition and let out a breath of relief—nothing seemed to be wrong. Still, he shot a cold glare at Lady Azure, making her smile awkwardly, guilt flickering in her expression.
"Would it help cool your anger if I said she agreed to this?" she asked, attempting a weak defense.
Xiao Hua sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "She didn't know the full extent of your plan. That's the problem…"
He couldn't deny he was also partially at fault—he had gone along with Lady Azure's plan step by step, without warning Qing Lin what might actually happen.
Yet despite his frustration, he couldn't ignore the results.
He'd previously seen a faint glimmer of green light—three barely visible dark green spots within Qing Lin's pupils. Back then, it was so fleeting it seemed like an illusion.
But this time was entirely different.
The three green spots had been unmistakably clear, each resembling a tiny flower bud, blooming with brilliance.
"Regardless," Xiao Hua said quietly, "both of us owe her an apology—for forcing her to go through something like this."
Lady Azure nodded solemnly, not offering any argument. She knew full well she had placed Qing Lin in danger, turning a blind eye in pursuit of the benefits her awakening could bring.
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