"Qing Lin, are you sure about this?"
Xiao Bai looked at his little maid, his gaze earnest and searching.
He wasn't sure what had happened during the two days he'd spent cultivating in the crater. Qing Lin sought him out upon his return, declaring her intent to leave with the Heavenly Snake Mansion's people.
His deep eyes glinted as he fixed them on Lu Man, suspicion stirring. Did this woman say something to Qing Lin while I was gone?
"Young Master Xiao, I—" Lu Man, sensing the intensity in his stare, felt a chill of danger. She waved her hands hastily.
"Young Master, it's not Sister Lu Man's fault. Qing Lin chose this herself!" Qing Lin interrupted, clutching Xiao Bai's hand, her head bowed, voice tinged with sadness. "Qing Lin just wants to learn some skills… to help Young Master better!"
Seeing her pitiful expression, Xiao Bai sighed, gently patting her head. "If you've made up your mind, then go."
From the original story, he knew Heavenly Snake Mansion was a good fit for Qing Lin. In just over a decade, she'd gone from a girl weaker than a Dou Zhe to a Dou Zun—a cultivation speed rivaling the high-tier bloodlines of the Imperial Clans. Xiao Bai had no tailored training plan for her, and staying with him might even slow her progress compared to the original timeline.
He'd already learned from Lu Man that Heavenly Snake Mansion's leader was a Peak Dou Zong, stuck at that level for years without breaking through to Dou Zun. The mansion had long sought the Bi Snake Three Flower Pupil to unlock their founder's secret realm and claim its inheritance, hoping to elevate their sect's standing.
Qing Lin wouldn't face hardship there. Her status in Heavenly Snake Mansion would be exceptionally high if she gained the inheritance.
This was why Xiao Bai agreed. He wasn't without doubts, but the original story, combined with Medusa's own knowledge of Heavenly Snake Mansion, reassured him.
"Let's be clear: I'm allowing Qing Lin to go with you to Heavenly Snake Mansion," Xiao Bai said, his sharp gaze locking onto Lu Man. "But if I visit and find she's suffered even the slightest grievance, I'll tear your mansion apart—even if your Heavenly Snake Half-Saint were to rise from the grave!"
Lu Man exhaled in relief, her heart leaping with joy. She nodded solemnly. "Young Master Xiao, rest assured. Qing Lin will face no harm in Heavenly Snake Mansion. I swear it on my life!"
She doubted Xiao Bai could truly destroy Heavenly Snake Mansion, but the dismissive tone of the one who'd stopped Bai Ya that day lent some credibility to the threat. Heavenly Snake Mansion was a first-rate power in the Northwest Continent, but not among the absolute elite, as those had Dou Zun backing them. Heavenly Snake hadn't produced a Dou Zun in ages, which drove their desperate search for the Bi Snake Three Flower Pupil.
Records suggested that someone with this physique could reach Dou Zun with proper nurturing, almost effortlessly.
"I hope you keep your word," Xiao Bai said, giving Lu Man a piercing look before turning to Qing Lin, who clung tightly to him. He smiled. "What's this? You were so brave a moment ago, ready to leave your Young Master behind. Now you don't want to go?"
The little girl's eyes were red. Suddenly, she hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest, her voice trembling with sobs. "Qing Lin isn't abandoning Young Master! You'll always be Qing Lin's Young Master. I just… I don't want to leave you!"
Xiao Bai's heart softened. How could he not feel reluctant? During their time with the Snake-People, Qing Lin had taken care of his every need, handling all his daily tasks with care, leaving him free of worry. Free from the scornful gazes she'd endured before, she'd grown brighter, less timid.
"When you get there, don't be like before—taking hits without running or fighting back. If someone bullies you, unleash your little Huo to thrash them. If you can't win, run. Keep a notebook, write down their names, and read it daily. Remember how they wronged you, then train hard and pay them back. Got it?"
Qing Lin's kind heart and lingering self-doubt worried him. Heavenly Snake Mansion was a sect, a complex place where minor players could be trickier than major ones. Her talent ensured her safety, but Xiao Bai feared she'd be mistreated.
"Mm, Qing Lin will listen to Young Master!" She nodded against his chest.
Lu Man rolled her eyes. This guy's got some nerve teaching her that! If Qing Lin followed through, no one in Heavenly Snake Mansion aware of the Bi Snake Three Flower Pupil's potential would dare cross her. The thought of a future Dou Zun nursing a grudge daily would keep anyone awake at night.
"Come here," Xiao Bai beckoned to Lu Man and Bai Ya.
Sensing something, they hurried forward, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Since Qing Lin's going with you, I'll lift your seals. Look after her well in Heavenly Snake Mansion."
This was a calculated choice. Too far to visit soon, he'd rather win their loyalty now, ensuring Qing Lin had allies.
"Young Master Xiao, rest easy. If anyone dares bully Qing Lin, I, Old Black, will be the first to object!" Bai Ya, the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor, raised his head proudly, his voice booming.
"My thanks," Xiao Bai said, eyeing him. He wasn't sure how trustworthy Bai Ya was, but the attitude was promising.
With a wave, an invisible force brushed over them, restoring their sharp senses. Both beamed with excitement.
"Alright, if you're set on going, best head out soon," Xiao Bai said, patting Qing Lin's back.
Instead of moving, she hugged him tighter. To her, Young Master was the most important person in the world, and this departure might mean years apart.
Lu Man stepped forward. "Little Sister Qing Lin, let's go. The sooner you train, the faster you'll grow strong—and the sooner you'll see Young Master again, right?"
Qing Lin finally released Xiao Bai, her eyes red. She gave him a long, deep look. "Young Master, take care."
Xiao Bai considered her, then pulled a pile of pills from his storage ring—first to fifth grade—along with 200,000 gold coins, handing them to her. A young girl who'd suffered so much, heading to an unfamiliar place, deserved some security.
"Go on," he said, waving.
"Young Master Xiao, Your Majesty, farewell!" Lu Man nodded to them, then took Qing Lin, soaring into the sky.