Chapter 231: Big Sister? (Part 1)
Time flows unnoticed in the mountains; the years blur within secluded caves.
Three months of arduous cultivation had flown by in the blink of an eye. Winter had melted into spring, the snow and ice giving way to sprouting green leaves, and the world was now painted in vibrant hues of life.
Within the misty, seven colored realm, however, tranquility remained unbroken. Only the occasional sound of rippling water echoed through the small, otherworldly space.
After an indefinite period, two terrifying auras erupted from the small blood lake, shattering the stillness.
Standing near the lake, two female snakefolk stared in awe as two figures slowly rose from the crimson waters.
A Swift Ascension
"Nine Star Dou Zong in just three months?"
High above the seven colored realm, an elderly figure floated in midair, his expression one of satisfaction as he gazed at Medusa's enchanting figure.
Over the past three months, the snakefolk queen had devoted herself entirely to cultivation, her focus unshaken. In this short time, her strength had surged, jumping six stars in rank.
Of course, this remarkable progress was not hers alone it owed much to the young man standing beside her.
Without Xiao Yan's assistance, even utilizing the lake's energy rich environment, it would have taken at least a year to achieve such results. Thanks to Xiao Yan's control over Heavenly Flames and his dual cultivation techniques, Medusa was able to refine the blood lake's energy far more efficiently, accelerating her growth tremendously.
Praise from the Ancestor
"Excellent, excellent," the voice of the Seven Colored Python Ancestor rang from above, prompting everyone to look up.
"I must admit, with this boy's help, your strength has grown far more rapidly than I expected," the ancestor said with a chuckle, addressing Medusa. "But child, let this be the end of the first phase of your inheritance for now. Your rapid advancement requires some tempering."
The ancestor's gaze softened as he continued, "Reach the peak of Nine Star Dou Zong on your own before attempting to break through to Dou Zun here. You'll achieve better results that way."
Medusa's cheeks reddened slightly as she cast a glance at Xiao Yan. Though her usual cold and elegant demeanor remained, there was a subtle warmth in her expression.
The ancestor's gaze then shifted to Yue Mei and Hua She'er.
"You two as well," he said gently. "Relying too much on external aids for breakthroughs will only hinder your future progress. Focus on building a strong foundation."
The two women nodded respectfully, their smiles tinged with a hint of embarrassment. Over the past three months, their cultivation had also surged, both reaching the Nine Star Dou Huang stage.
Much of this advancement was thanks to the energy rich blood lake, formed from the essence of a Five Star Dou Sheng, the Seven Colored Python Saint. The lake's purity and potency were enough to make even Dou Zun experts envious.
Xiao Yan's Efforts
Finally, the ancestor's attention turned to Xiao Yan.
"Young man, you've worked hard during this time," the elder remarked, his gaze filled with approval.
Under the ancestor's scrutiny, Xiao Yan maintained an expression of modest pride.
"It was nothing," he replied with a faint smile.
During these three months, Xiao Yan had not spent all his time as a "workhorse." The dual cultivation techniques recorded in the Yin Yang Saint Codex allowed him to help Medusa without always resorting to physical contact.
The energy within the blood lake had also greatly benefited Xiao Yan, helping him refine his Dou Qi to an even higher level. While not as rapid as devouring Heavenly Flames, his cultivation had risen steadily from early Six Star Dou Zong to late Seven Star Dou Zong.
For a Dou Zong at his level, advancing even a single star typically required months or years of painstaking effort. Yet with the blood lake's aid and the dual cultivation method, Xiao Yan's progress remained impressively swift.
A New Journey
"Enough cultivation for now," the ancestor declared. "You've worked hard. It's time for you to return to the outside world and temper your strength. Consolidate your foundation before returning to break through to Dou Zun."
With a wave of his hand, the seven colored space trembled, and a strong force began to pull the four cultivators away.
"Boy," the ancestor's voice echoed one last time in Xiao Yan's mind as they were about to leave, "I hope to see you as a Dou Zun the next time we meet."
"Count on it," Xiao Yan replied, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
Medusa's Power
Back in the outside world, Medusa extended her slender, jade like hand, pressing lightly against the air.
"Crack!"
The sound of shattering glass echoed as spatial fissures radiated outward from her palm. The display of her newfound power left even Medusa herself momentarily stunned. A rare, satisfied smile graced her lips.
Plans for the Future
"Medusa, come with me to Jia Ma Sacred City," Xiao Yan said, his voice soft yet firm.
Having grown accustomed to being addressed by her true name, Medusa merely raised an elegant brow at his suggestion. Her long, narrow eyes glinted with a trace of danger.
"Oh? So eager to parade me around as your queen to suppress your harem?" she teased, her mature voice tinged with amusement and icy undertones.
"What harem?" Xiao Yan retorted, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I'll be leaving soon, and the Flame Alliance will need a strong and capable leader to oversee things in my absence."
Medusa rolled her eyes, fully aware of Xiao Yan's motives. Yet despite her skepticism, the man's sweet words managed to soften her resolve.
"Fine," she said at last, her tone tinged with reluctant acceptance. "I'll go with you and take a look."
Her prideful demeanor remained intact, though Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle inwardly. After all, she hardly maintained such aloofness when they were alone together.
Return to Jia Ma Sacred City
After a brief stop at the Serpentfolk Holy City to deliver instructions and leave Yue Mei and Hua She'er behind, Xiao Yan and Medusa set off toward Jia Ma Sacred City.
The journey was filled with vibrant sights. Even in the barren deserts, caravans and traders bustled with life, a testament to the Flame Alliance's growing influence.
Finally, a majestic city appeared on the horizon, its grandeur entirely transformed since Xiao Yan's last visit.
(End of Chapter)
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