Apology and Thank You
I sincerely apologize for not uploading on Monday. There were some personal matters I needed to resolve first, and I truly appreciate your patience and understanding.
I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to Neha Saini, 43 Aman, Revanist, and Bakchodi for subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means so much to me, and I'm deeply grateful!
----|
It had been a few months since the Little Fairy Doctor entered a dormant state, fully focusing on the merging of the Woeful Poison Body and the Ghostly Poison Flame—a process that demanded both intense concentration and time.
During those months, several issues arose. Fortunately, with the careful assistance of Lady Azure and Xiao Hua, the merging process was stabilized, preventing any risk of failure or interruption.
While the situation remained mostly calm, Lady Azure took the opportunity to guide Qing Lin in her cultivation, teaching her how to harness the power of the Three Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. As for Xiao Hua, he returned to his usual routines—cultivating and honing his alchemy skills. He even attempted to refine ninth-tier medicinal pills multiple times, though each attempt ended in failure.
Fusing medicinal essences, especially for ninth-tier pills, was incredibly difficult. On multiple occasions, explosive reactions destroyed his fire-element cauldron, inflicting backlash on his soul and forcing him to undergo periods of recuperation.
The force from a failed ninth-tier refinement was no trivial matter. Xiao Hua considered himself fortunate to have only suffered minor damage to his soul. He could tell that it was thanks to the protection of the Celestial Ancient Frost and the nine Lightning Beasts within him, which helped prevent the damage from becoming critical.
Fortunately, Lady Azure had intervened just in time, shielding the Little Fairy Doctor from the explosive force and preventing any disturbance to her dormant state.
After over thirty failed attempts at refining ninth-tier medicinal pills, Xiao Hua finally decided to step back and relax, calming his mind. After all, pill refinement was an extremely dangerous endeavor—especially at the ninth tier.
There was no need to force himself and risk suffering even more severe repercussions. Greed and impatience would only lead to disaster. Rushing headlong into the ninth trial without proper preparation was nothing short of courting ruin.
Though this cautious approach slowed his progress and delayed his plans, who would dare chase after their goal recklessly, only to destroy themselves before even getting close?
Stability always came first—no matter what.
At present, Xiao Hua sat idly, his gaze fixed on the Lotus Seat in his palm, where the Green Lotus Core Flame hovered in quiet stillness. A bored expression hung on his face. He couldn't help but think—perhaps this was the kind of boredom Zi Yan often complained about.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, his perception caught onto something unusual—something… interesting.
"Hm?"
Someone had entered Xiao Hua's perception range, steadily approaching, drawing his attention.
It wasn't just one individual—there were several. Most of them were strong Dou Wangs, and among them, five had already reached the 9-Star Dou Huang level. What stood out even more was the cold energy radiating from them—it was unmistakable. These were Snake-People…
Yet, what truly caught Xiao Hua's attention was an all-too-familiar presence lingering near one of the Dou Huangs. From the emotional fluctuations he sensed and the way she stayed close to that individual, it was clear she had formed a bond with them.
'This presence… Zi Yan? Then the one she's so excitedly speaking to must be… Queen Medusa?'
Xiao Hua raised his brows, his gaze turning in the direction of the approaching group.
Though Zi Yan was bright and cheerful, he could still sense a faint thread of nervousness beneath it. Clearly, she was anxious—worried about what would happen when Queen Medusa encountered him.
'So… this is the moment Queen Medusa arrives to claim the Green Lotus Core Flame…'
Doing a quick mental calculation, Xiao Hua confirmed it—this timing matched what had been described in the novel. Queen Medusa was indeed supposed to appear here, and the Green Lotus Core Flame was meant to fall into her hands.
Rising to his feet, Xiao Hua cast a glance at the smiling Lady Azure, who had also sensed the approaching group. Understanding the intent behind his gaze, she gently picked up Qing Lin and flew over to the dormant Little Fairy Doctor to keep watch over her.
With everything in place, Xiao Hua turned toward the tunnel, calmly waiting for the arrival of the Snake-People. He made no effort to hide the Green Lotus Core Flame—he had a strong feeling that Zi Yan had already told Queen Medusa the true reason behind his presence here.
After more than half an hour, the aura of the Snake-People grew increasingly distinct. However, as if sensing his presence ahead, their pace slowed, and a sense of caution filled their movements.
As they stepped out of the tunnel, their eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the vast, molten world before them. But their astonishment quickly faded—replaced by alertness—as their eyes fell upon the figure of a young man standing calmly in mid-air, not far from the tunnel's exit.
Xiao Hua paid no mind to their reactions. His gaze swept across the group, finally locking onto the beautiful woman standing at the forefront.
She possessed a graceful and alluring face, framed by long, flowing black hair tinged with a faint red hue that cascaded down her back like a silken waterfall. Her expression was calm and composed, exuding confidence and an innate authority that commanded both respect and admiration. Atop her head rested a majestic golden crown that covered her forehead, while a translucent red veil concealed her face, only enhancing the mystery of her beauty.
Her figure was both elegant and seductive—graceful curves sculpted with perfection. She wore a crimson bustier adorned with golden ornaments and delicate jewelry chains, revealing her smooth midriff—a detail that involuntarily drew one's gaze.
A long, layered crimson skirt flowed behind her like flickering flames, embroidered with intricate gold patterns. Beneath the hem, a narrow, delicate waist was faintly visible. But what truly set her apart was the violet serpent tail that extended from below her waist—its subtle swaying carried a wild, bewitching charm that stirred the air and caused the hearts of those nearby to stir involuntarily.
Xiao Hua's eyes calmly swept over her near-perfect figure before pausing on her veiled face. In that instant, a tremor rippled through his heart.
'No wonder her legendary beauty is spoken of alongside her fearsome might… She's on a completely different level…'
Seeing her with his own eyes, Xiao Hua finally understood why so many across the desert lands claimed that Queen Medusa's beauty was just as famed—and just as dangerous—as her power.
"A human..." one of them muttered, their voice laced with hatred and disdain. The gazes of the other Snake-People immediately sharpened, brimming with hostility—save for two beautiful Snake-women who remained calm.
Despite their animosity, none of them made a move beyond casting cold, piercing glares at Xiao Hua. The young man stood effortlessly in mid-air—a clear sign that he was at least of the Dou Zong class.
Moreover, they had already been informed of Xiao Hua's identity and strength by none other than their revered Queen, who had learned about him from Zi Yan. Although many of them had doubted the truth at first, further investigation had confirmed Xiao Hua's accomplishments—and his power. That revelation only deepened their tension.
What's more, their Queen had given strict orders: she would handle the negotiations personally. No one else was to speak. They were to hold their tongues, so as not to worsen the situation.
But now, a strange silence settled over the magma-filled world.
The problem was simple—yet awkward. Xiao Hua and Queen Medusa had heard of each other, but only through secondhand sources. And now that they stood face to face, neither truly knew how to begin the conversation.
Meeting face to face was truly different from simply hearing stories or reading about someone.
Just as the tension between the two sides was about to reach its peak, Zi Yan suddenly stepped forward with a bright smile.
"Xiao Hua, come here! Let me introduce you to Sister Medusa," she called out cheerfully.
Seeing her enthusiastic expression, Xiao Hua felt a wave of relief wash over him. He could tell she was trying to ease the growing tension between both sides, and he appreciated her efforts. Naturally, he was more than willing to follow her lead.
Queen Medusa, too, understood Zi Yan's intention and chose to remain silent, allowing the young girl to guide the situation.
Xiao Hua's figure blurred for a moment, and in the next instant, he appeared before the Snake-People group.
His sudden appearance startled the group, prompting several to instinctively raise their weapons. Their expressions tensed, eyes filled with caution and wariness as they stared him down.
But Queen Medusa calmly raised her hand, signaling them to stand down. She could clearly sense that Xiao Hua held no ill intent—and she had no desire to let the situation escalate unnecessarily.
"Hehe, Sister Medusa, this is Xiao Hua—the one I've been telling you about," Zi Yan said brightly, sensing that the atmosphere had settled slightly. She turned around and smiled at Queen Medusa, her tone light and cheerful.
Then, she turned back to Xiao Hua and added, "Xiao Hua, this is Sister Medusa, Queen of the Snake-People. She's been taking care of me these past few months."
Xiao Hua nodded and stepped forward slightly. He cupped his hands in greeting, a warm and respectful smile on his face.
Xiao Hua gave a small nod and cupped his fists in greeting. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he spoke respectfully, "Xiao Hua greets Queen Medusa. I've heard many stories about your strength and leadership. Now that I've seen you in person, it seems those stories weren't exaggerated."
Queen Medusa calmly returned the gesture, her expression serene and composed. "This Queen has also heard much about Young Master Xiao Hua's accomplishments from Zi Yan. It appears she was speaking the truth after all."
Her respectful tone stunned the Snake-People behind her. For their proud and powerful Queen to show such courtesy—it was something few had ever witnessed.
Ever since they began serving her, the Snake-People had always known their Queen to be an extremely prideful woman. Yet now, seeing her set aside her arrogance while speaking with Xiao Hua made it clear—she was taking him seriously.
Queen Medusa may have been proud, but she was far from foolish. Especially after learning of Xiao Hua's astonishing feats as both an alchemist and a cultivator.
He had once been surrounded by five Dou Zongs—one of whom was a seasoned elite with decades of battle experience—and yet, as a mere Dou Wang at the time, he had managed to defeat four and kill one of them.
Moreover, he was an eighth-tier alchemist. In the entire North-West Region, even a seventh-tier alchemist had not appeared in many years, let alone someone of the eighth tier.
Given his strength and accomplishments, Queen Medusa understood that Xiao Hua was someone who deserved respect—at the very least. When dealing with someone of his caliber, it was far wiser to build friendship than to provoke enmity.
"It seems Queen Medusa has been taking care of Zi Yan while I was occupied. For that, I am grateful—and I apologize if she has caused you any trouble." Xiao Hua spoke with a gentle smile, the end of his words laced with sincere apology.
"There's no need to worry," Queen Medusa replied with a slight shake of her head. "This child has been rather entertaining. I've also learned quite a bit about the lands beyond the borders of the Jia Ma Empire thanks to her. Besides, she has been quite obedient and hasn't caused any trouble."
"I'm relieved to hear that," Xiao Hua nodded with a small laugh. "In any case, shall we discuss the true reason behind your visit?"
As he spoke, he raised his palm slightly, revealing the Lotus Seat floating quietly above it—the Green Lotus Core Flame radiating faint waves of warmth.
"I assume this is what you came for?" His gaze fell upon Queen Medusa's face, sharp yet calm. He had already noticed that ever since her arrival, her eyes had subtly but repeatedly flicked toward the Lotus Seat.
"That's right. We came for that very reason," Queen Medusa—Cai Lin—replied honestly, knowing there was no point in hiding it from someone like him.
"It's for your evolution, isn't it?" Xiao Hua asked, tilting his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"…Yes," Queen Medusa admitted after a brief pause. Though surprised he saw through it so easily, she chose not to conceal the truth. With his identity as an eighth-tier alchemist, it was no surprise he knew the Heavenly Flame was essential for her unique evolution.
"Swallowing a Heavenly Flame is something even a Dou Huang expert must approach with utmost caution…" Xiao Hua said solemnly. "Forgive me if my words sound offensive, but… there's a high chance you could fall and lose your life in the process."
Queen Medusa did not take offense. Instead, she shook her head with a faint sigh, her voice calm but filled with resolve. "It cannot be helped. I carry an ambition—one that can only be realized through evolution. Without it, that goal will remain forever out of reach."
The Snake-People were born with Yin energy in their bodies—cold and dark by nature. A harsh, dry desert bathed in scorching sunlight was not a place suited for their survival.
And yet, to ensure her people's escape from this unforgiving land, she had no choice but to gamble her life. She would rather risk her own survival than let her people continue to suffer under the relentless blaze of the sun.
"…Do you truly need to undergo evolution?" Xiao Hua's brows furrowed slightly. His voice carried genuine concern. "I'd rather someone close to Zi Yan not make such a dangerous decision."
At that moment, Zi Yan stepped forward, her expression hopeful. "That's exactly why I brought her here… so she could meet you!"
She turned toward Xiao Hua, eyes shining with expectation. "Xiao Hua, can't you help Sister Medusa with her evolution? Maybe refine a medicinal pill to aid her, instead of letting her swallow the Heavenly Flame?"
Hearing Zi Yan's words, Xiao Hua fell into deep thought, his gaze slightly lowered as he pondered silently. Seeing this, everyone around him instinctively held their breath, their gazes fixed nervously on his figure.
Even Queen Medusa, despite her pride and composure, remained silent. A rare trace of tension surfaced in her eyes. She hoped—perhaps even prayed—that Xiao Hua might offer another way. Though she had steeled herself to take the path of devouring a Heavenly Flame, she knew full well the risk it entailed.
She never desired to take this path, but circumstances had left her with no other choice. If there truly existed a safer method—one that could still allow her to evolve and step into a higher realm of strength—she wouldn't hesitate to take it.
After a long moment, Xiao Hua finally let out a quiet sigh and shook his head. The hopeful light in the Snake-People's eyes dimmed, disappointment washing over them.
"I don't have the necessary medicinal ingredients," Xiao Hua said solemnly. "And more importantly, I can sense that Queen Medusa's evolution will lead her into becoming an extremely rare and exotic Magical Beast. That kind of transformation demands precious ingredients—ingredients far beyond what can be easily gathered."
His words, though calm, carried the weight of helplessness. Even with his skills, the task was simply too difficult at the moment.
"I'm sorry for getting your hopes up," Xiao Hua said softly, turning to Queen Medusa with a faint, apologetic smile.
"It's fine," Queen Medusa replied with a gentle sigh, her voice calm but heavy. "Though I can't deny that I'm slightly disappointed… I suppose this, too, is fate."
Her gaze slowly lifted to the Lotus Seat, which clearly radiated with the aura of the Heavenly Flame sealed within. After a deep breath, she murmured, "I know how precious a Heavenly Flame is to an alchemist, but—"
Before she could finish, Xiao Hua raised his hand and gave the Lotus Seat a gentle flick.
The Lotus Seat floated forward, slowly drifting toward Queen Medusa until it hovered silently in front of her.
Startled, Queen Medusa's eyes widened as she looked at Xiao Hua, trying to understand his intentions. Her gaze stares at his face, filled with silent questions and unspoken wonder.
"Just think of it as a gift—for becoming friends with Zi Yan and taking care of her," Xiao Hua said with a casual wave of his hand, sighing lightly to assure her that he had no ulterior motives.
He had to admit, he held deep admiration for Queen Medusa. Though her personality was slightly different from what he remembered from the novel, he suspected that Zi Yan's presence might have influenced her in subtle ways.
Everything Queen Medusa was doing now was for the sake of her people. It would be boorish of him to ask for compensation, especially when she was someone he deeply respected and shared a bond with Zi Yan.
Besides, while others may view the Heavenly Flame as a priceless treasure, Xiao Hua regarded it as little more than an adornment. He didn't see much value in ordinary Heavenly Flames—what he truly sought were Primordial Heavenly Flames, the ones capable of bringing him to the peak.
To ask for something in exchange from someone like Queen Medusa, who bore such heavy responsibility, would be distasteful.
"If that's how it is… then I shall not hold back," Queen Medusa replied softly, her voice tinged with gratitude.
She raised her delicate hands and slowly extended her hands, gently accepting the Lotus Seat with extreme care.
Xiao Hua watched silently as Queen Medusa took the Lotus Seat containing the Green Lotus Core Flame, his expression unreadable.
Despite his concerns, he was confident that Queen Medusa would not fail in her evolution—though what followed afterward would become… somewhat unique.
It was precisely because of this certainty that he could passed the Green Lotus Core Flame to her. He knew that after her evolution, the flame would remain intact, allowing him to retrieve it once more.
Only then would he pass it on to Xiao Yan. However, he was also aware that if he were to request permission to observe Queen Medusa's evolution from within the forbidden area, he would be denied outright. At best, he might be allowed to watch from the outside, but never from within.
That was why, when the time for her evolution drew near, he planned to sneak into the forbidden area himself. If Zi Yan, Little Fairy Doctor and Qing Lin wanted to accompany him, he wouldn't object—so long as they understood that they were only there to observe and not making their presence known.
After some short discussion, the Snake-People departed without incident. Zi Yan remained behind for a short while before eventually following—more specifically, following Queen Medusa. She had never been fond of the stifling heat in the magma crypt, after all.
Naturally, she didn't leave right away. Only after confirming the condition of the Little Fairy Doctor did she prepare to depart. However, another reason she remained was to seek guidance from Lady Azure regarding Queen Medusa's upcoming evolution.
Zi Yan understood that Lady Azure's presence was a closely guarded secret, known only to those Xiao Hua trusted. So, she waited until the Snake-People had left the magma crypt before approaching her.
Even after asking, the answer she received from Lady Azure mirrored what Xiao Hua had already told her.
Queen Medusa's planned evolution was unique and enigmatic. Because of its rare nature, the medicinal ingredients required were extraordinarily difficult to acquire.
With no other choice, Zi Yan finally left the crypt, a faint shadow of disappointment on her face.
-------|
Read 20 Advanced Chapters in Patreon:
http://patreon.com/GodYato