"It seems I have no choice but to grow accustomed to being struck by lightning… Truly, an unpleasant ordeal."
Xiao Hua shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He understood clearly—he would need to be devoured by the tribulation eleven more times before he could fulfill the conditions to initiate the ninth trial.
What made it worse was that he had to absorb an entire cloud's worth of Black Demon Lightning… not just a single thunderbolt.
Yet, this was the fate he had chosen. Though he had been unaware of the true difficulty of cultivating the Chaos Mantra in the beginning, he had still taken that step forward rather than remain stagnant.
Since the path had been chosen, all that remained was to steel himself for what lay ahead—there was no point in complaining.
If there was a silver lining, it was that despite the Black Demon Lightning's terrifying power, it did not exist in great abundance. After a few thunderous eruptions, the dense black clouds in the heavens gradually began to fade.
Ming!
The fire phoenix suddenly let out an ethereal cry toward the sky the moment the black clouds scattered. In that instant, a blinding radiance erupted from its majestic form, followed by a violent surge of energy that rippled across the skies.
Bang!
The energy grew wild and unrestrained, stirring the heavens and earth. Then, with one final cry, the fire phoenix's immense body shattered before countless stunned gazes.
At the moment of its collapse, a beam of light shot forth from within the flames—brilliant and swift. Freed from the fiery prison, it soared into the sky, as if breaking through the shackles that have been binding it.
"After all my efforts to protect you… do you truly think I would let you escape?"
Xiao Hua stared at the fleeing ray of light, a cold smile tugging at his lips—one that never reached his eyes. Behind him, two pairs of wings unfurled—one vibrant, the other a regal crimson-gold. He slowly raised his hand and clenched his fist.
"Lock."
In an instant, the space around the ray of light solidified, sealing it in place.
Sensing it could no longer move, the ray of light suddenly expanded. In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a massive, ferocious beast. With a thunderous howl, it raised its colossal claw, slicing through the air as it struck toward Xiao Hua.
Roar!
But before the beast could land its blow, one of the Lightning Beasts dwelling within Xiao Hua's body let out a deafening roar—a roar so fierce, it seemed to shake the very heavens.
The massive beast let out a miserable cry upon hearing the roar. Its towering frame trembled, then gradually shrank, returning to its original form as a ray of light.
Xiao Hua flapped his four wings and vanished. In the next instant, he reappeared before the shimmering light.
Yet just as he approached, the light flared violently once more—this time morphing into a completely new form. Before his eyes, the radiance condensed into a human figure. As the light faded, Xiao Hua's expression shifted to surprise.
Hovering in the sky… was another "Xiao Hua."
"I've seen pills take the form of beasts before," He muttered, eyes narrowing slightly. "But this might be the first time I've witnessed one transform into a human. A Tier 9 Treasure Pill truly lives up to its name… fascinating."
Xiao Hua let out a soft chuckle and shook his head. If this pill had truly escaped, it might have become something strange and mysterious over time.
Of course, a more likely outcome would be that some expert, sensing its uniqueness, would capture and consume it. Though a Tier 9 Treasure Pill possessed a degree of intelligence, its strength was far from sufficient to contend with a true powerhouse.
Roar!
The Treasure Pill, now in the form of "Xiao Hua," clearly lacked the ability to speak the human tongue. All it could do was roar, as if warning him not to come any closer.
This unexpected transformation drew many astonished gazes. Whether it was Su Qian and the Guardians of Jia Nan Academy, or the three Elders of the Gu Clan, all of them were clearly surprised. Even with their long years of cultivation, the chance to witness a Tier 9 Treasure Pill was exceedingly rare. To see one take on a human form was an even greater marvel.
This was especially true for the former group. During their age, even while venturing through the vast Central Plains when they were young, they had never once laid eyes on a Tier 9 Treasure Pill.
What stood before them now was a scene that inspired no small amount of awe. A medicinal pill transforming into human form—such a phenomenon was nothing short of miraculous.
"That little fellow actually succeeded in refining a Tier 9 Treasure Pill at such a young age..." The white-haired old man murmured in astonishment.
"Not only that," The black-robed elder added, his eyes fixed on the figure in the sky, "he even withstood the strike of Black Demon Lightning with merely the strength of a Dou Zong. That kind of lightning is something even a Ban Sheng must treat with caution. Honestly, I find that even more incredible..."
While the elders exchanged words of awe, Xiao Hua did not linger in confrontation with the Tier 9 Treasure Pill. There was no need for caution—after all, it remained immobilized in fear because of the Lightning Beast's roar.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward and pressed his hand against the pill's forehead.
The body of the pill trembled violently. In the next moment, it began to shrink rapidly before condensing into a round, dragon-eye-sized medicinal pill—its surface a deep black, streaked with crimson accents.
The pill floated gently in Xiao Hua's palm, surrounded by layer upon layer of pill mist that drifted outward, filling the air with a medicinal aura. At a glance, it seemed as though the pill boasted an exceptionally mysterious appearance.
Xiao Hua slowly descended to where Xun Er and the others were standing, a faint smile playing on his lips. Once he landed, he stepped forward and opened his palm to reveal the medicinal pill.
"This is it—a Tier 9 Treasure Pill."
"Oh! So, this is a Tier 9 Medicinal Pill… I've never seen one before!" Zi Yan exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she stepped closer to examine it.
Naturally, she wasn't the only one intrigued. The others also gathered around, gazing at the pill with interest and curiosity.
"Xiao Hua, what kind of pill did you refine, exactly?"
Once everyone had taken a closer look, Su Qian stroked his beard and asked the question lingering in everyone's mind. A Tier 9 Treasure Pill was rare enough to cause a stir even in the vast Central Plains—let alone in the Black-Corner Region.
Xiao Hua lowered his gaze to the black-colored pill streaked with crimson accents. A faint smile curved his lips as he began to explain.
"This is the Trueblood Essence Pill. Its effect lies in enhancing the purity of one's bloodline—regardless of race. The strength of purification depends on the pill's grade."
"Is that true?!" Gu Shan's heart trembled, his eyes locked onto the pill with an expression of disbelief and barely restrained excitement.
"Since Brother Xiao Hua mentioned the effect varies by grade... does that mean there are higher levels of this pill?" Though clearly moved by the mention of bloodline purity, Xun Er remained composed as she asked the question that had caught her attention.
Xiao Hua nodded. "That's correct. There are two grades above this one."
"The Trueblood Essence Pill is the lowest of the three. It can increase one's bloodline purity by ten percent."
"The second grade is known as the Pureblood Ascension Pill. With this, the purity rises by forty percent."
"The third and final grade is the Ancestral Vein Pill. This pill grants a staggering ninety percent increase in bloodline purity. Moreover, it possesses a unique additional effect—any child born after its consumption will fully inherit the parent's purified bloodline without any loss in purity."
Gu Shan and the elders of Gu Clan felt as if their mind have been struck by thunder and become loss at words. The effects of this pill might not be useful to ordinary people but to those who possessed a powerful bloodline like them and ensuring the purity of the bloodline above anything, this pill is something they are willing to put price on everything.
However, Gu Shan let out a soft sigh of disappointment. After all, the key ingredient required to refine this pill—the Bloodline Sovereign Fruit—had long gone extinct.
With that, the chances of obtaining a pill above the Trueblood Essence Pill were practically nonexistent.
Seeing the disappointment on Gu Shan's face, Xiao Hua simply smiled, saying nothing.
He couldn't exactly tell them that he possessed a stockpile of Bloodline Sovereign Fruits. In truth, he had already used his only red-grade Bloodline Sovereign Fruit to refine the Trueblood Essence Pill. The rest in his possession were orange-grade and golden-grade—even rarer and far more valuable.
But if he were to reveal this, there was no doubt the Gu Clan would request his help in refining those pills—or worse, seek to obtain the fruits for themselves. After all, even consuming the fruit directly—without turning it into a pill—could raise one's bloodline purity, albeit to a far lesser extent.
However, the risk of failure in pill refinement was high, and the value of the Bloodline Sovereign Fruit was too immense for anyone to bear seeing it turned to ash. This was especially true now that the fruit had vanished completely from the Dou Qi Continent.
The only reason Xiao Hua had managed to obtain several of them… was because of the System. And as far as he knew, there was no other way to acquire a fruit that the world had already declared extinct.
Xiao Hua remained silent for a moment, deep in thought, before finally extending the Trueblood Essence Pill toward Gu Shan, a faint, unreadable smile playing on his lips.
Gu Shan flinched slightly, then let out a helpless sigh as understanding dawned. The meaning behind Xiao Hua's gesture was clear—he had chosen to give the pill to him, not Xun Er.
This act carried an unspoken message.
If he accepted this pill, it would mean re-evaluating his stance on Xiao Hua and Xun Er's relationship. Perhaps not full approval… but at the very least, he would be expected to adopt a neutral position and stop opposing it.
In truth, Gu Shan's resistance had already begun to waver. Still, he had clung to his reservations, hesitant to shift his long-held views of the Gu Clan's rules. But now, with the pill offered so directly, he knew that accepting it would seal his decision.
Unfortunately, the Trueblood Essence Pill was simply too precious to reject. Even with his pride in maintaining the purity of their bloodline, he could not bring himself to refuse such a rare and priceless treasure.
Besides, given Xun Er's status and position in the clan, which far exceeded his own, Gu Shan had no grounds to create trouble for Xiao Hua over this pill. According to the rules of the Gu Clan, any member who possessed the Rainbow Clan Tattoo held a rank that surpassed even most of the Elders.
As one who often prided himself on upholding the clan's rules, he couldn't go against them now—not even for a pill as valuable as this.
If Xiao Hua had given the pill to Xun Er, she might have passed it on to one of the high-ranking Elders who remained neutral regarding their relationship—potentially swaying them to her side. Most of these neutral Elders held great authority and formidable strength.
With their backing, the voices of opposition could easily be drowned out. However, if matters unfolded in that way, it would only breed resentment and hidden discontent within the clan. In time, all that resentment would be directed at Xun Er, making her the target of deep-seated enmity.
Xiao Hua's choice made it clear to Gu Shan—he didn't wish for that outcome.
By offering the pill to Gu Shan, one of the opposition, Xiao Hua was extending a subtle gesture: a bribe not to gain support, but to ask for neutrality. It was a calculated and wise decision—perhaps the best one among many possible paths.
And for that, Gu Shan felt a sense of relief.
At the very least, this young man had shown that he cared about Xun Er's standing and position within her clan. That alone was enough to ease some of the burden pressing on Gu Shan's heart.
Moreover, Xiao Hua had long since proven that he was no ordinary youth. With his strength, he could contend with an advanced Ban Sheng even at Dou Zong, and with his alchemy, he possessed the ability to stir even Dou Sheng experts into action.
At present, none among the younger generation could compare to him. Perhaps, in the distant future, some might catch up. But by then, Xiao Hua would likely have long since surpassed them—leaving the so-called geniuses of the Central Plains in the dust.
'Fine. I'll remain neutral. Whether or not this young man can win over the others… that will depend on his own ability,' Gu Shan thought, letting out a quiet, resigned sigh in his heart.
"Many thanks for the pill, Young Master Xiao Hua. This old man will not cause you any further trouble." Gu Shan said as he cupped his hands solemnly and accepted the Trueblood Essence Pill.
His words, though few, clearly conveyed his decision to remain neutral in the matter of his relationship with Xun Er.
Xiao Hua and Xun Er exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting a sense of quiet relief. A soft sigh escaped their lips, and a warm smile naturally formed on both their faces.
This outcome also eased the concerns of the white-haired and black-robed Elders, who had been worried that Gu Shan's obstinacy might lead to greater discord within the clan.
The white-haired old man, seeking to shift the mood away from the tension, cleared his throat lightly and spoke up. "Young Master Xiao Hua, I've heard word that you recently exchanged blows with two Honourable Elders of the Hall of Souls."
Xiao Hua was unsurprised by the inquiry. With a calm nod, he replied, "That's correct. The ones I fought were Qing Hai and Qin Tian—and I defeated both."
Xiao Hua took out two jade bottles and continued calmly, "I've sealed both of them inside these. I wasn't certain if they had some method to transmit word of my strength or identity upon death. Better to be cautious."
The white-haired old man and the black-robed elder both nodded approvingly. They were not only impressed by Xiao Hua's prudence but also astonished that he had managed to defeat and seal two Honourable Elders from the Hall of Souls—no easy feat for anyone to achieve.
"Hall of Souls, huh?" Gu Shan's eyes narrowed slightly as he rubbed his beard in thought. He then looked at Xiao Hua and said gravely, "You'd best not underestimate that faction. Honourable Elders are considered ordinary within their ranks. With your current strength, it's the Tianzuns that you should be wary of."
He paused for a moment, folding his hands behind his back before continuing in a solemn tone, "Over the years, my Gu Clan has clashed with them many times. Yet even after all that, we've never managed to shake their foundation. The Hall of Souls is a strange and enigmatic force... even we cannot see their full depth."
Xiao Hua chuckled lightly and store the two Honourable Elders back to his storage ring before cupping his hands in respectful acknowledgment. "Many thanks for the warning, Elder Gu Shan."
He understood well that the elder was offering this advice not out of obligation, but as a subtle gesture of goodwill—choosing not to leave behind any lingering friction between them.
Gu Shan let out a quiet sigh of relief upon seeing that the young man had grasped the meaning behind his words. His gaze then shifted toward Xun Er.
"Regardless, Young Miss cannot remain here for too long. At most, she may stay for a week before she must return. Your status within the Gu Clan is... somewhat unique. Until you possess the strength to protect yourself, this old man believes it would be unwise for you to have open contact with the clan."
Xiao Hua's brows furrowed slightly. He understood well what that word 'unique' truly implied. There was undoubtedly a complex connection between the Gu Clan and the Xiao Clan. More importantly, the Xiao Clan still held the Tou She Ancient God's Jade.
'Even if the Tou She Ancient God's Jade isn't in my hands, I'll need to tread carefully when dealing with the Gu Clan...' Xiao Hua thought to himself, a faint solemnity flashing across his eyes.
He knew that Gu Shan had refrained from mentioning certain things—likely because Xun Er had already spoken to him. She had mentioned that the reason Xiao Hua needed to journey to the Central Plains ahead of time was due to his clash with the Honourable Elders.
There was a very real possibility that the Hall of Souls would now target him, and staying any longer might bring disaster to the Xiao Clan.
And Xiao Hua had indeed guessed correctly.
Initially, Gu Shan had considered asking whether Xiao Hua possessed the Tou She Ancient God's Jade. But after hearing Xiao Hua openly admit to defeating and sealing two Honourable Elders, he silently let the matter drop.
"Regardless," Gu Shan said calmly, nodding, "there is still a week remaining before Young Miss must leave this place."
However, his expression suddenly shifted. He shot a sharp, piercing glare at Xiao Hua and added coldly, "This old man will not interfere in your affairs… but I hope you can restrain yourself from crossing certain lines!"
Xiao Hua gave a dry cough, clearly embarrassed. He understood the old man's warning.
However, he had never intended to act recklessly with Xun Er. He knew of her circumstances—knew that rushing into physical intimacy could place her in a difficult position within the clan. For a fleeting moment of pleasure, he would never ruin her future.
"What nonsense are you even saying, Elder Gu Shan?!"
A bright flush surged across Xun Er's face. She glared furiously at the old man, who immediately turned on his heels and beat a hasty retreat—clearly wanting no part in her wrath.
Xun Er glared furiously in the direction Elder Gu Shan had fled, then turned around and firmly grasped Xiao Hua's hand. Her voice carried a hint of irritation as she said, "Let's go back, Brother Xiao Hua!"
She didn't wait for his reply and simply pulled him along, striding away without hesitation and disappeared on the spot.
Little Fairy Doctor, Queen Medusa, and Zi Yan exchanged glances before letting out helpless sighs. With a light shake of their heads, they cupped their hands in parting and quietly departed, heading toward the wooden cabin nestled at the heart of the Chaos Spiritual Forest.
Su Qian, the two Guardians of Jia Nan Academy, and the two Gu Clan Elders—the white-haired and black-robed old men—shared faint, bitter smiles. Without saying much, they each returned to their respective quarters.
The mountain range, once bustling with voices and Qi fluctuations, gradually fell silent. The towering mountain pillars once more stood in solemn stillness, and peace returned to the serene landscape.
…
Back at the wooden cabin, Xiao Hua and the women passed the morning and afternoon in peaceful harmony. Time flowed like a quiet stream—unhurried, serene, and imbued with gentle warmth.
As day surrendered to dusk, the sun sank beneath the horizon in a blaze of gold and crimson, its lingering brilliance gradually giving way to the silver light of the moon. Night unfurled its velvet cloak, studded with stars that shimmered like distant dreams, casting the world into a tender, ethereal glow.
Upon the rooftop of the pagoda, Xiao Hua reclined across the wooden beams, a flask of wine cradled in his hand. His gaze lingered on the luminous moon above, its tranquil radiance reflecting the stillness within his heart. A cool breeze stirred the night air, brushing against his skin like a lover's gentle caress—subtle, familiar, and comforting. In the hush of moonlight and the breath of wind, he found a rare solace.
Then, a soft rustle broke the stillness.
A graceful figure in crimson descended lightly behind him, her steps soundless as the wind. The usual chill in her presence had melted away; her cold countenance was now touched by a rare warmth, her eyes holding a tenderness she had never shown to another.
Gone was the sharp edge of icy detachment; in its place lingered a calm, radiant affection. The storm within her gaze had finally quieted, revealing a tranquil sea that shimmered only for him.
Yet such a gaze, such gentle bearing, was a grace she reserved only for the young man before her—and her few cherished sisters.
Xiao Hua turned, and upon seeing her, a soft smile unfurled on his lips—quiet, affectionate, and touched with warmth. He adjusted his posture slightly, then gave a light pat to the empty space beside him, his eyes holding a gentle invitation.
Queen Medusa responded without a word. Her movements, fluid and graceful like flowing jade, carried the calm dignity of a queen and the softness of a woman at peace. She settled beside him with practiced poise, her presence serene.
No words passed between them.
Beneath the quiet moonlight, they sat shoulder to shoulder, wrapped in the stillness of night. The breeze drifted by like whispered silk, weaving through their hair and robes, tying them together with threads unseen. The world beyond seemed to fade into silence—as though even the stars dared not speak.
Her presence was steady and soothing, like the ripple of a clear mountain spring—cool, tranquil, and quietly profound. At times, the edge of her sleeve brushed lightly against his. Neither withdrew, nor did they draw closer. There was no need.
In that shared stillness, their hearts spoke a language beyond words—soft, steady, and deeply understood.
Time drifted by, slow and dreamlike. Overhead, the stars wheeled in silent arcs, and the moon climbed ever higher, its silver light casting long shadows across the tiled rooftop—gently painting their forms in a soft, ethereal glow.
After what felt like both an eternity and a fleeting breath, Xiao Hua finally stirred, breaking the quiet spell with a single, gentle motion.
"I have something I wish to say."
He swirled the wine in his cup, watching as the reflection of the moon trembled upon its surface, shifting with each subtle movement. A faint smile touched his lips, quiet and introspective, before he lifted his gaze and turned toward the woman seated beside him.
Queen Medusa tilted her head slightly, and the moonlight caught in her eyes, like starlight dancing upon the surface of a still lake. Calm and unhurried, her gaze held warmth—an understated affection, and a glimmer of curiosity. She did not speak; she had no need to. Her very presence was a quiet promise of patience, a silent assurance that her heart was open to his.
The breeze moved gently around them, rustling through the trees, brushing past their robes with the lightest touch. In that stillness, it felt as though even the heavens had paused—holding their breath, waiting in silence for the words that would follow.
Xiao Hua's voice once again broke the hush—low, steady, and warm, like the distant hum of a zither beneath a moonlit sky.
"Queen Medusa… I understand that your name is more than just a name. It is a mantle—a title borne of strength and sovereignty among the Snake-People."
Beside him, she tilted her head ever so slightly. Her expression remained composed, but beneath the moon's silver glow, a subtle shimmer flickered in her eyes—fleeting, delicate, like the ripple of a still lake stirred by a single drop. Something within her had quietly stirred.
He paused, his gaze settling on her with a gentleness that held firm, the quiet strength of affection long cradled in the depths of his heart.
"You've already embraced your true human form," he said softly, his voice flowing like polished jade. "No longer the half-human, half-serpent of the past. And because of that… I believe you deserve more than a title—more than a name shaped by duty or race."
His words lingered like a gentle breeze.
"You deserve a name that belongs to you alone."
The wind stirred softly between them, like the breath of the world itself drawing near—listening in silent anticipation.
"And more than that," he continued, his voice low and rich with tenderness, "as your man… may I call you by another name? Not one bound to your past, your people, or the throne you bear—but something that belongs solely to the bond between us."
His gaze met hers—open, steady, sincere. In his eyes, the moonlight shimmered, as if a sea of stars had gathered there, quietly waiting.
"I wish to call you more tenderly… not as a queen, but as the woman I hold dear. As the one I love. As the one I wish to share my life with. A name that lives within my heart and finds voice only on my lips."
Queen Medusa did not move. Her gaze remained locked with his—unwavering, unreadable, deep as the night sky. Moonlight brushed across her features like a lover's touch, and the breeze played gently with her hair, lifting the silken strands as though even the wind dared not disturb her stillness.
But she did not notice the wind, nor the night around them.
In that breathless moment, there was only him—and in his eyes, only her.
A long silence settled between them—light and weightless, like snow drifting through moonlight.
Then, at last, Queen Medusa's lips parted.
"…No one has ever asked me that," she said softly, her voice a whisper woven of silk and starlight. "Not as a ruler… not as a woman."
Her gaze shifted briefly toward the horizon, as if searching for something—courage, perhaps, or clarity. But when her eyes returned to him, they shimmered with something raw and unguarded… something achingly human.
"All my life, I've borne a name that became a symbol—of my title, my status, my people. Even after becoming human, I remained bound by the weight of the crown, by duty and expectation." Her voice quivered—not from weakness, but from the quiet force of a heart long held in restraint. "I never imagined I could be seen beyond that."
Slowly, she reached out, her slender fingers brushing lightly against his sleeve—not by accident, but with intention. A touch as gentle as moonlight on still water.
"But you…" she whispered, her eyes never leaving his, "you saw me—not as a queen, not as a symbol, but as a woman. As someone worthy… of love, of tenderness… of a name that belongs only to us."
A pause lingered between them, tender and deep. Then, a faint smile curved her lips—soft, almost shy. A smile that had never been seen on the battlefield, nor within the throne room, nor amid the cold corridors of power.
"…Then, Xiao Hua," she murmured, "give me that name."
She leaned closer, the space between them vanishing like mist beneath morning light. Her voice fell to a breath, softer than the wind.
"Let it be yours to call… and mine to keep."
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