"Very young?"
In this world, there was never a shortage of young prodigies. Talented and accomplished young alchemists could be found across the continent. What was so special about that?
Green-robed Elder's words left both Lü Man and the Eight-Winged Black Serpent King completely unconvinced, nor were they interested in delving deeper into her explanation.
"I also found something interesting in Stone Desert City," Lü Man said coolly. "That so-called Mo Clan's transplantation technique is rather intriguing. But Green-robed Elder, you'd best not bring unnecessary trouble to us."
"Lü Man is right. Once I consume this Demon Transformation Pill, the three of us will have enough strength to stabilize the situation within the Heavenly Serpent Sect. Moreover..." The Eight-Winged Black Serpent King's slit-like pupils narrowed as a hint of excitement flashed across his reptilian face. "I seem to have sensed something unusual in the city."
Green-robed Elder raised an eyebrow. "Unusual?"
"Yes. A very strange sensation. It felt like a pull from deep within my bloodline, even my soul."
The serpent king nodded, his expression unusually solemn. "You both know well that us magical beasts sometimes develop strange resonances with things related to our bloodline or certain rare treasures. This is the first time in my life I've experienced something like this. I recall reading about it in our sect's ancient records..."
"If my perception is accurate, then within Stone Desert City... there may be a pair of the legendary Green Snake Tri-Flower Pupils!"
"What?!"
Green-robed Elder's pupils contracted sharply as a tremor ran through her soul. "Are you certain, Bai Ya? You're saying... those eyes actually exist?"
"Otherwise, why do you think Lü Man and I have been loitering in this remote backwater for so long?" the serpent king snorted.
"Wasn't it because you had designs on Queen Medusa, but after getting beaten half to death, you didn't dare make another move and just hid out here?"
"Shut your mouth!" Lü Man snapped.
Her sharp retort left the Eight-Winged Black Serpent King flushed with embarrassment, while Green-robed Elder couldn't help but stifle a laugh.
The serpent king, being a male magical beast, had long lusted after Queen Medusa, wanting to add her to his harem. Unfortunately, his strength was lacking, and he had been soundly defeated several times. Despite his desires, he could only watch from afar and didn't dare provoke her again.
This matter was no secret among the higher-ups of the Heavenly Serpent Sect.
"Enough, Bai Ya. Let's focus on the Tri-Flower Pupils." Green-robed Elder's smile faded as she exhaled softly. "You're certain your perception wasn't wrong? You know the significance of those eyes better than any of us."
"Would I joke about this? I just haven't identified exactly whose body they reside in."
Bai Ya snorted. His self-assured attitude was enough to stir anticipation and excitement in Lü Man and Green-robed Elder. Even their breathing grew a bit hurried.
The Green Snake Tri-Flower Pupils—a legendary ocular power—were said to only appear in rare descendants of humans and serpentine races. These eyes were the nemesis of all serpent-type magical beasts. Except for those with ancient, pure-blooded lineage, any serpent beast could be forcibly controlled by them.
For humans or other beasts, though not directly controllable, the eyes could pull at the soul and seize control of the body.
It was also said that when matured, the eyes would develop an internal space. Creatures sealed within would be devoured over time, and their strength would feed back into the host!
That was precisely why Green-robed Elder and the others were so stirred upon learning that the Tri-Flower Pupils might be hidden somewhere within Stone Desert City.
The Heavenly Serpent Sect, as the mightiest force in the Heavenly Serpent Empire, maintained a close and profound relationship with serpentine magical beasts. Even the human disciples cultivated serpent-based techniques.
To such a sect, the Green Snake Tri-Flower Pupils were not just a threat—they were a disaster.
If the rumors were true, and someone in Stone Desert City possessed those eyes, they had to be dealt with.
"If it wasn't for Lü Man constantly holding me back, I would have already razed this city!" the serpent king hissed.
"The strongest person here is barely a Dou Ling. Who could stop me?!"
"You brainless brute!" Lü Man scolded. "This is still a major human city within the Jia Ma Empire. If you go on a rampage, do you think those Dou Huang experts in the empire won't intervene?"
No matter how strong a magical beast grew, they remained a beast. Their impulsive nature was unchanging.
"Regardless, this matter must be handled with care," Green-robed Elder said firmly. "Bai Ya, you go consume the Demon Transformation Pill and complete your partial humanization. Lü Man, you and I will begin investigating who possesses those eyes."
"You've just advanced to Dou Huang and think you can command me?" Lü Man glared, but she didn't argue further.
"Hmph. Once I'm done transforming, everything will be solved." The serpent king chuckled and swung his massive tail. With a flap of his eight wings, his figure vanished into the clouds.
Lü Man and Green-robed Elder exchanged a glance, then turned into two streaks of azure light and disappeared into the sky.
But just a few breaths after they vanished, a tall figure suddenly appeared in the void where the three had been standing.
Clad in a black robe, with long, ink-like hair and a calm, handsome face, the newcomer stood silently.
It was Lin Ran.
"Everything is proceeding... perfectly," he said softly, the corners of his lips curling upward.
With one step, he returned to the flying beast—but not to his own room.
In a smaller cabin shrouded in cold mist and covered in frost, the temperature was bone-chilling. On the bed, Xiao Yixian was seated cross-legged, eyes closed, her lovely face glowing with an eerie, cold light. A trace of purple powder stained her lips—she was still in cultivation.
Lin Ran made no move to wake her. He simply sat in meditation, calmly circulating his Dou Qi beside her.
After half an hour, Xiao Yixian finally retracted her energy and opened her eyes. She gave a small lick to the remaining powder at the corner of her lips.
Then she noticed Lin Ran seated nearby.
"Sh-Shao Ye, why are you in my room?"
Her expression flushed red, and her voice became flustered. "C-Could it be that…? No, it's not a good time right now, Shao Ye. I-I mean, I'd really like to, but it's just… I'm not in the right condition…"
"Could you stop filling your little head with those lewd scraps of nonsense?"
Lin Ran sighed, exasperated, and gave her a gentle flick on the forehead.
"Get ready. We've got a schedule to adjust."
(End of Chapter)