At the base of Yunlan Mountain, a tall figure slowly descended through drifting clouds and mist, his silhouette faintly visible against the winding stone staircase. It was Liu Xi, making his way down the long mountain steps.
No sooner had he appeared than Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong, who had been waiting anxiously outside the sect, imdiately ca forward to greet him.
"Little friend, were you up at Yunlan Mountain just now? Do you know who those two powerhouses were that fought up there? The commotion was so great even the Sacred City could feel it!"
Jia Xingtian's tone was filled with urgency. The battle earlier had released auras that could only belong to experts beyond the Dou Zong realm. The thought that such beings existed within the Jia Ma Empire made his heart uneasy.
Liu Xi didn't appear surprised by their reaction. The shockwaves of the earlier fight had been trendous—there was no hiding what had happened. He smiled faintly and replied, "It's a bit complicated. In short, here's what happened…"
He gave a concise account of the battle that had taken place atop Yunlan Mountain. By the end, both Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong were staring at him in disbelief, sharp intakes of breath echoing in unison.
"Yun Shan actually broke through to the Dou Zong realm… and still perished…" Jia Xingtian muttered in shock.
He and Hai Bodong exchanged solemn glances. Both were old figures who had once road the empire at the sa ti as Yun Shan. Now, another had fallen—it left a heavy weight in their chests.
"Wait… you said Queen dusa appeared at Yunlan Mountain too?" Hai Bodong's expression stiffened. The ntion of that na alone made his scalp tingle. It was her seal that had suppressed his strength to the Dou Ling realm for decades, forcing him into seclusion in the desert.
Liu Xi chuckled softly. "Elder Hai, there's no need to worry she'll co after you again. I doubt Queen dusa will show herself for quite so ti."
Hai Bodong let out an awkward laugh before quickly changing the subject. "In any case, Yunlan Sect's suffered a great disaster. If we go up now, we'll only embarrass them further. Let's head back to the Sacred City.
"And next ti you travel, rember to let know," he added. "I'll co along—better to have an extra pair of hands."
Liu Xi smiled warmly. "Elder Hai, I appreciate it. I'll keep that in mind next ti."
The three n exchanged a few more words before unfolding their Dou Qi wings, taking to the skies as three streaks of light cutting across the horizon toward the Jia Ma Sacred City.
---
After parting ways with Jia Xingtian and Hai Bodong, Liu Xi returned ho.
The mont he stepped through the door, Xiao Yixian rushed forward, eyes filled with relief. "Young Master, you're back safe! That's such a relief!"
The battle at Yunlan Mountain had been devastating—dark clouds covering the sky, smoke rising for li upon li, the surrounding energy in chaos. Any sensitive Dou Wang could have felt it; Xiao Yixian was no exception.
A soft, familiar fragrance brushed past him. Liu Xi smiled gently. "There were so surprises, but nothing dangerous. You don't need to worry."
"It's still my fault for being too weak," Xiao Yixian said dejectedly. "That aura from Yunlan Mountain was terrifying… I couldn't help you at all."
Liu Xi took her smooth jade-like hand in his, walking with her as he said comfortingly, "You've already advanced quickly enough. You're at 7-Star Dou Wang now, and I'm only a 1-Star Dou Huang. Having you at ho puts my mind at ease."
"By the way," he asked, looking around, "where's Zi Yan? I haven't seen her."
"She hasn't woken up yet," Xiao Yixian replied softly, worry flickering in her eyes. "Her aura's becoming more and more unstable—I can feel it even from a distance."
"Let's go check on her," Liu Xi said, his tone turning serious.
They passed through several quiet corridors until they reached Zi Yan's room. Liu Xi knocked lightly. "Zi Yan, are you awake?"
A drowsy voice ca from inside. "Mmm… Big Brother, you're here?"
"Zi Yan, we're coming in," Liu Xi said as he pushed open the door, Xiao Yixian following close behind.
Inside, Zi Yan sat on the edge of her bed, her long violet hair a little ssy, a pillow hugged tightly in her arms. Her sleepy violet eyes blinked open, and she looked up at them.
"Big Brother, sorry," she mumbled through a yawn. "I've been so sleepy lately."
"It looks like your breakthrough isn't far off," Liu Xi mused, his brows furrowing slightly. "We'll need to find a safe, energy-rich place soon. Maybe that valley near Qingshan Town… no, that's too far. I'll ask around tomorrow."
Then he smiled faintly. "Oh, right—I caught a rather interesting pet. It should keep you company."
He rolled up his sleeve and gently unwound a small, seven-colored serpent coiled around his arm. The tiny snake hissed softly, seemingly protesting, as Liu Xi tossed it toward Zi Yan.
"A pet?" Zi Yan's drowsiness vanished instantly. She threw her pillow aside and caught the serpent, her eyes lighting up.
"Wow! What a beautiful little snake! Thank you, Big Brother!" she said excitedly, running her fingers along the serpent's shimring scales.
Dragon and Serpent locked eyes—both violet, both radiant. Perhaps it was fate between magical beings, but the serpent coiled affectionately around her hand, flicking its tongue.
Just then, Xiao Yixian tugged gently on Liu Xi's sleeve. He turned to see her lips pursed, eyes glimring with a faint jealousy.
"Young Master," she said softly, "you've never given such a pretty gift."
The serpent's glistening seven-colored scales and faint fragrance, coupled with its clever violet eyes, made it irresistible—even Xiao Yixian couldn't look away.
Liu Xi let out a helpless chuckle and took her delicate hand again, eting her gaze earnestly. "I only happened to catch this one. Next ti, if I find another—maybe a pretty little snake, or a colorful bird—I'll bring it back for you."
A blush crept across Xiao Yixian's cheeks, and she turned her head away with a soft hum. "Hmph… You'd better an it."
Then Zi Yan's cheerful voice broke in.
"Big Brother, what's its na?"
"Haven't thought of one yet," Liu Xi said casually. "You can na it."
Zi Yan's eyes lit up as she held the snake before her, smiling brightly. "Your scales are seven-colored, so… how about Little Cai?"
The snake hissed, clearly in protest.
"Then how about Little Zi, since your eyes are purple like mine?"
Another sharp hiss.
Zi Yan pouted. "So picky! Fine then—my na's Zi Yan, so I'll call you Zi Ling!"
This ti, the serpent didn't protest, only flicked its tongue contentedly.
"Hehe, looks like you like it! From now on, you're Zi Ling!" Zi Yan said happily, stroking its tiny head with delight.
(End of Chapter)
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