Chapter 86: I Don't Want That~
Yao Yan had long planned to help the Snake-People acquire their own territory. Since Caidie had followed him, he had to resolve her people's future concerns. Earlier, he had been too occupied with the Flame Mantra and the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor's Jade to focus on it. Now that those matters were settled, he naturally had to think of her. He couldn't just let the Snake-People's condition continue to worsen.
Of course, he also had… other thoughts. He was definitely craving the bodies of the two snake sisters. Showing up to the Snake-People empty-handed would be far too shameless.
If things worked out between them in the future, that would be his in-laws.
According to Huaxia custom, it was only proper to bring a gift on the first visit. Yao Yan still had that level of courtesy.
Naturally, Jia Xingtian and Teng Shan were unaware of this.
Still, when they heard Yao Yan's request, both of their expressions shifted. Jia Xingtian frowned and didn't answer right away. Ceding land to the Snake-People was not a simple matter. The Jia Ma Empire was essentially a coalition of dozens of small forces, kept in check only by Jia Xingtian's peak Dou Huang strength. That alone maintained the current peace.
If the empire lacked a strong enough successor after his death, it would inevitably collapse—or worse, be devoured by Yunlan Sect.
Yunlan Sect had grown rapidly in recent years. Talented disciples were emerging one after another. Among the younger generation, Yun Yun had already become a Dou Wang before the age of twenty. It was expected she'd reach Dou Huang before turning thirty.
By contrast, the royal family of the Jia Ma Empire was clearly falling behind. The only one who had a real shot at Dou Huang… had already been killed by Yao Yan.
Jia Xingtian had to carefully consider what consequences would come from ceding land to the Snake-People.
Teng Shan, on the other hand, had simpler concerns. He would have to cut off the Miteer Family's trade ties with the Snake-People. Previously, many snake-women were traded through Miteer channels, but that business clearly couldn't continue anymore. Compared to Yao Yan's friendship, that small loss was nothing.
Yao Yan wasn't impatient. He calmly waited for Jia Xingtian's decision. Since the man hadn't outright refused, Yao Yan already knew he'd won. Jia Xingtian was simply weighing the pros and cons.
It didn't take long.
After ten or so breaths of silence, Jia Xingtian took a deep breath, looked at Yao Yan, and said in a deep voice, "I can agree to this. We'll cede a suitable piece of land near the border between the Jia Ma Empire and the Tagor Desert to the Snake-People, and sign a mutual non-aggression pact with them."
The land cession was part of the deal. The alliance was a gesture to win Yao Yan over. Though he didn't know what Yao Yan's relationship with Queen Medusa was, since Yao Yan asked, he had to show respect.
A six-grade alchemist under seventeen—he couldn't value such a person highly enough.
Yao Yan smiled and said lightly, "Good. Once I return from the Snake-People's territory, I'll refine the Primordial Bone Molding Pill for you. It'll take between one and six months, but I'll fulfill my promise."
This visit to the Snake-People had two purposes. One was to help Caidie resolve her tribe's concerns. The other was to obtain the Green Lotus Core Flame. Devouring it would be highly dangerous—likely self-destructive. But Caidie's elder sister had a companion spirit: a Purple Phantom Serpent with Sky Swallowing Python bloodline.
In the original story, Xiao Yan succeeded in refining the Green Lotus Core Flame only with the guidance of a baby Sky Swallowing Python.
Yao Yan figured Caidie's sister could do the same…
Jia Xingtian cupped his hands. "Then I shall await your return in the capital, Young Master."
The Sea Jiao Beast's injuries hadn't happened overnight. It could still suppress the damage. A little more time wouldn't change much.
Yao Yan nodded, then turned to head back into the house. The discussion was over. Time to go soothe Caidie—the thin-skinned girl. And remind her it was about time they headed to her hometown.
Jia Xingtian and Teng Shan watched Yao Yan disappear into the house before quietly exiting the courtyard.
They walked in silence for a while—
Until Jia Xingtian spoke in a low voice, "I can't imagine what kind of family could raise someone like him."
His eyes were filled with awe and envy.
If someone could have a sixth-grade alchemist as a servant… that clan must be terrifying. One of their elders could probably wipe the Jia Ma Empire off the map.
"The Central Plains are vast… who can say?"
Teng Shan sighed. In his youth, he had dreamed of venturing to the Central Plains. But in the end, he gave up. Partly due to his family, and partly because of his own limited talent. Reaching Dou Wang was likely his peak. If luck was good, maybe Dou Huang. But Dou Zong? Never dared to hope.
By contrast, Hai Bodong might actually reach Dou Zong. And now that he was friends with Yao Yan—if he ever obtained a Breaking Zong Pill...
"Central Plains…"
There was longing in Jia Xingtian's eyes too. But that yearning was quickly worn away by reality.
Everyone knew the Central Plains were prosperous. The heart of the Dou Qi Continent, where heaven and earth energy was denser than anywhere else. It was the perfect place to cultivate. But that also meant it was packed with powerful cultivators. Dou Huangs were as common as dogs, and a Dou Zong barely counted as someone.
For those without enough talent, that place was simply discouraging.
Yao Yan's sudden appearance in the Jia Ma Empire had shaken Jia Xingtian to the core. Compared to Yao Yan, all his so-called "promising juniors" were nothing.
…
As Yao Yan stepped back inside, he saw Caidie. She had come out at some point. Her beautiful face still carried a charming blush, like it had been brushed with rouge, adding a delicate warmth and softness to her usual allure. Her bright eyes glared playfully at Yao Yan. "Young Master, you really shouldn't joke like that. I might take it seriously."
She still believed he had been joking. After spending time with him, she had come to expect it.
"And what if I wasn't joking?"
Yao Yan looked at the stunning, elegant snake-woman before him and asked gently.
Ling'er lay lazily on his shoulder, swinging her fluffy tail while curiously watching the two. She didn't understand a word but found the scene amusing—especially watching Caidie's swaying snake tail. It made her want to pounce and bite it.
Caidie had used her tail to tease her a lot lately.
At Yao Yan's words, Caidie pressed her soft lips together, blinked, and glanced away as if she couldn't meet his gaze. After a while, her voice came as a whisper carried by the wind: "I don't want that~"
"What? I didn't hear you."
As a sixth-grade alchemist, Yao Yan feigned deafness and leaned in.
Caidie's flawless face puffed up instantly, looking like a pouting little pufferfish.
(END CHAPTER)
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