Xiao Hua fell silent, his gaze soft as it lingered in her eyes. The name she asked for—no, the name she entrusted to him—echoed within his heart like a ripple across a still lake, gentle yet profound.
For a moment, he simply breathed, the cool night wind brushing against his robes, as if the heavens themselves urged him forward. Then, a quiet smile curved his lips—warm, a touch shy, and deeply sincere.
"…Then, I shall call you Cai Lin," he said gently, the syllables spoken like a cherished tenderness. The name drifted into the night air like a falling petal, light and graceful, carried by wind and fate alike.
"It may sound unoriginal," He added with a soft laugh, rubbing the back of his neck, a hint of bashfulness coloring his tone. "Perhaps too plain… not worthy of someone like you. But—" he paused, his eyes searching hers once more, "—I truly like it."
He met her gaze again, this time more resolute, though still tinged with warmth.
"The name came to me because of the first time I saw you in your serpent form. The colors of your scales shimmered like flowing gemstones beneath the sun—radiant, fierce, unforgettable. That moment stayed with me… just like you."
He met her gaze fully then, no longer tentative—his expression filled with quiet devotion and unshakable warmth.
Of course, the real reason was something he chose not to say—that in his previous life, he had long grown used to calling her Cai Lin. The name had clung to his heart, an old habit turned quiet addiction.
But Queen Medusa didn't need to know that.
"Will you accept it?" He asked softly, his voice gentle as moonlight. "Even if it's not grand or poetic… even if it's just mine?"
A small laugh slipped from her lips—light, melodic, carrying a touch of helplessness.
"Haha… I'll admit, it is a little plain," A soft chuckle escaped her lips as she said, smiling helplessly. But as she lifted her gaze, her smile softened, touched by genuine affection. "Still, since it comes from you… I'll gladly accept it."
Xiao Hua's expression brightened and smiled in quiet relief. Then, rising to his feet, he startled her slightly with the sudden movement. Turning toward her, he extended both hands, his expression bright with joy.
"Come," he said, his voice light with warmth. "Let's tell Xun'er, Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to hear your new name."
Cai Lin didn't speak. She simply lifted her jade-like hand and placed it in his, her touch soft, her eyes filled with radiant affection.
Together, hand in hand, they stepped down from the rooftop and returned to the quiet cabin—ready to share the name that now belonged to her alone, spoken first not before the world, but within the warmth of his heart.
…
The soft creak of the cabin door broke the gentle hush of the evening as Xiao Hua and Cai Lin stepped inside. The warm glow of lantern light mingled with the moon's silver gleam, casting a tranquil radiance over the room, where Xun Er, Little Fairy Doctor, and Zi Yan sat in relaxed conversation.
At their entrance, all eyes turned.
Xiao Hua gave a small nod and cleared his throat, his voice calm despite the flutter stirring quietly in his chest.
"There's something we'd like to share." He said, his tone steady, yet warm.
Still holding his hand, Cai Lin stepped forward, her movements as fluid and graceful as flowing jade. Her voice, when it came, held its usual poise and elegance—but beneath that, there was a softness, an undercurrent of affection rarely seen.
"Sisters. Zi Yan," she said, her gaze meeting each of theirs with quiet sincerity. "From this day on, I will go by the name… Cai Lin."
Her words were clear and composed, like ripples on a still lake. Yet at the corners of her lips bloomed a smile—subtle, genuine, and as delicate as morning dew catching the first light of dawn.
After the name was spoken, a gentle silence fell across the room—light, expectant.
Then—
"Cai Lin?" Zi Yan blinked, her voice rising like the wind before a storm. In the next breath, she sprang to her feet, eyes wide as she pointed an accusing finger at Xiao Hua.
"That's the name you came up with, Xiao Hua? For Sister Medusa? That's the best you could do?"
Caught off guard, Xiao Hua instinctively leaned back, coughing lightly as he scratched his neck with a sheepish smile. "W-Well… I thought it sounded soft, gentle… fitting, maybe?"
"Fitting?" Zi Yan huffed, crossing her arms and planting her hands on her hips with all the indignation of a young empress. Her glare could have sent a spirit beast fleeing into the mountains. "It's plain! She deserves something bold! Something that roars with power and elegance!"
Her words echoed with fiery conviction, her tiny frame practically trembling with protest—much to Xiao Hua's growing embarrassment.
As her spirited scolding escalated into a passionate tirade about proper naming conventions for her beloved older sisters, the rest of the room moved on as if nothing unusual was happening.
Xun Er rose first, her steps light, her smile as elegant as spring wind. She approached Cai Lin with gentle eyes and said softly, "Congratulations, Cai Lin. It suits you well."
Little Fairy Doctor followed soon after, her presence calm and serene. Her violet eyes glimmered with quiet approval as she offered a warm smile. "Ignore Zi Yan. I think it's a beautiful name. Soft… graceful… and perfect for a new beginning."
Cai Lin's lips curved ever so slightly, the faint smile touched by rare, genuine warmth. In her eyes shimmered something tender—an emotion seldom seen, yet deeply felt.
"Thank you," she replied quietly.
The three women stood together in gentle closeness, a quiet celebration blooming between them. So different in nature, yet bound by trust, love, and quiet understanding. In that brief, luminous moment, no words were needed—only shared glances and heartfelt smiles that spoke more than language ever could.
Then they turned.
And there he was—Xiao Hua—still standing awkwardly in the corner, head slightly bowed as Zi Yan continued her relentless scolding with arms flailing, her tiny figure pacing back and forth like a general delivering battlefield orders.
"You should've at least consulted me! I could've prepared a list! A full scroll of names worthy of Sister Medusa!"
The sight of a grown young man being so earnestly reprimanded by a girl barely up to his chest was simply too much.
The three women exchanged a single glance—and then, as if a silent signal had passed between them, soft laughter rippled through the room. It was light, restrained only by grace, yet utterly sincere.
Even Cai Lin allowed herself a quiet chuckle, delicately hidden behind her hand, her eyes glowing with rare amusement.
Their laughter drifted like a spring breeze chasing away the last chill of winter—gentle, warm, and full of life.
"I believe he's suffered enough," Xun Er said at last, her voice touched with mirth as she covered her smile with the back of her hand, ever composed yet clearly entertained.
"Let him endure it a little longer," the Little Fairy Doctor added with a soft chuckle, her tone teasing. "It's not often we see him so flustered."
Cai Lin, ever serene, merely observed with quiet amusement. Her gaze lingered on Xiao Hua, her smile gentle and affectionate. Though subtle, it carried a warmth that nestled quietly in her heart—a warmth she hadn't known she could feel so deeply.
And though Xiao Hua stood there red-faced beneath Zi Yan's continued tirade, he couldn't help but smile. Because in this moment—strange, chaotic, and full of laughter—surrounded by the women who had each carved a place in his heart… life had never felt more complete.
At last, Xun Er, having let her smile linger just long enough, stepped forward.
"Zi Yan," she said gently, her voice like a spring breeze, "names need not always be majestic. Sometimes, the simplest ones carry the deepest affection."
"That's right, Zi Yan," Cai Lin added softly, lowering a hand to gently ruffle the girl's hair. "I didn't mind it at all. In fact… I rather like it."
"I believe he's learned his lesson," the Little Fairy Doctor said, kneeling slightly beside Xiao Hua. Her hands came to rest gently on his shoulders, her touch calming, her smile light. "Shall we let him off, just this once?"
After the gentle persuasion of her older sisters, Zi Yan finally relented, falling silent. But it was clear to all that she still had more to say—words left unsaid only for the sake of preserving the warmth of the moment.
The Little Fairy Doctor chuckled softly, her laughter light and graceful, like the chime of wind through crystal. With a trace of amusement dancing in her eyes, she added, "Though this does mean one thing—we absolutely must not let Xiao Hua name our children. Or else, we might end up with names far too plain."
Xun Er's ethereal face flushed a delicate shade of crimson at those words. She turned with a light scolding in her tone, though her voice remained gentle. "Sister Fairy Doctor, aren't we getting a little ahead of ourselves?"
Even Cai Lin, ever regal and composed, could not keep the blush from blooming across her cheeks. The implication struck deeper for her—for she knew, better than anyone, that the time for her and Xiao Hua to enter the final bond of lovers was drawing near.
Once they used the 'Glazed Soul Flame' to merge the spirit of the Heaven Swallowing Python with her own, there would be no more distance between them.
Zi Yan could only shake her head, a faint flush coloring her youthful cheeks. That the innocent and always-gentle Little Fairy Doctor would be the one to speak so boldly—it caught her completely off guard.
Xun Er cleared her throat lightly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear as her blush began to fade. Then, with a soft laugh, she turned toward Xiao Hua.
"Brother Xiao Hua," she said playfully, a smile curving her lips, "now that you've given one sister her new name… shouldn't you try calling the rest of us a little more affectionately too?"
Xiao Hua blinked gently, then let out a soft chuckle. Lifting his gaze, his eyes fell upon Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin, warm and affectionate.
With a smile filled with love and quiet tenderness, he spoke, "Xian'er, Cai'er… thank you. For choosing me. For accepting me despite my flaws."
His words lingered in the air for a moment before he turned to Xun Er. His expression shifted, touched with sincerity and a hint of regret.
"And of course, Xun'er… you, most of all. I owe you an apology—for not making you my only one, for betraying the trust you once held so purely in me. But I swear this—whether to the Gu Clan or the world—I will prove that the man you chose is worthy of every ounce of faith you've given him."
A soft silence followed. Then, the three women smiled—subtle and knowing.
Naturally, they understood what fault he spoke of: his love divided among more than one woman. But in the world of cultivation, such things were not uncommon. For a man like Xiao Hua, one whose path soared far beyond the mundane, it was not surprising.
Still…
"But you're not going to promise that these will be your only wives, are you?" Xun Er's voice was sweet as ever, but the faint, chilly curl of her smile sent a frost crawling down Xiao Hua's back.
Her beauty remained untouched, radiant—but her tone carried the sharpness of a winter wind.
Xiao Hua froze slightly, clearly aware of the danger he'd just stepped into, and feeling an intense embarrassment.
Xun Er sighed with quiet exasperation, a sentiment shared by Little Fairy Doctor and Cai Lin, though none of them truly harbored resentment. They understood him. His heart was not one that chased fleeting pleasures.
If, one day, another woman did manage to earn a place in his heart, it would not be by accident, nor through sweet words or beauty alone. She would have to deserve it—genuinely and completely.
And if that day came… they would accept her as a sister, not out of blind acceptance, but only after putting her to the test.
A trial worthy of the women who now stood by Xiao Hua's side.
…
After days of peace, time had slipped quietly through their fingers like sand through silk. A full week had passed—marking the moment when Xun Er was to return.
Now, Xiao Hua and the others stood before her, each bearing the weight of reluctant parting upon their faces.
"It seems… we must part once again," Xiao Hua murmured softly, his voice low with emotion.
"It can't be helped, Brother Xiao Hua," Xun Er replied, gently shaking her head. A wistful smile graced her lips, tinged with unwillingness.
She had slipped away quietly from the clan under the pretense of an assigned mission, bringing only three elders with her. Even then, one of them had ties to an opposition with their relationship—though for now, he remained neutral after witnessing Xiao Hua's strength.
But if she lingered any longer, her absence would surely be noticed. No amount of careful concealment could hide her tracks forever. The Gu Clan would send stronger forces to investigate, and once they discovered she had come to Jia Nan Academy, the matter could no longer be overlooked.
And if those sent held true hostility, they might very well demand Xiao Hua return with them. Should that happen… trouble would surely follow.
Understanding what she was thinking, Xiao Hua could only release a soft, heavy sigh—low and unwilling. He said nothing more to persuade her to stay. He knew well that, as he was now, he lacked the strength and reputation to sway the mighty Gu Clan or prove himself worthy of the one they called their precious princess.
"Wait for me at the Gu Clan," he said at last, his voice calm but resolute. "Once I've earned enough merit and strength, I will come—openly—and ask for your hand."
Xun Er smiled sweetly at his words, her autumn-coloured eyes flicker with warmth as she caught the unwavering glint in his gaze. She lightly inclined her snow-white chin and replied with quiet certainty, "Xun Er will wait for you…"
She then turned to Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan, her smile soft and affectionate. "Sister Fairy Doctor, Zi Yan… please watch over him. Make sure he doesn't charge headlong into danger."
Little Fairy Doctor and Zi Yan both nodded without hesitation. They would be following Xiao Hua to the Central Plains, where conflict and chaos were inevitable. And should Xiao Hua find himself surrounded by enemies or confronted by ancient powerhouses—they would stand with him, without regret or retreat.
Finally, Xun Er turned to Cai Lin.
"Sister Cai Lin, please keep watch over the Xiao Clan. If trouble arises, I trust you'll act."
"Rest assured, Sister." Cai Lin nodded with calm confidence, a serene smile curving her lips. "I won't allow the Xiao Clan to become a burden on Xiao Hua's shoulders. Let him walk his path freely and focus on forging a faction worthy of standing at the peak of the Central Plains."
Xun Er turned her head one final time, her gaze lingering on the young man standing tall and silent below. His posture was firm, yet the sorrow in his eyes could not be hidden. A moment later, she gently flicked her sleeves.
A gust of wind rose at her command, lifting her graceful figure into the sky. Without another word, she soared toward the outskirts of Jia Nan Academy, heading for the location where Gu Shan and the two elders awaited her return.
Xiao Hua stood quietly, watching until her figure vanished from sight. Only then did he let out a soft, melancholic sigh. He turned to Cai Lin and spoke, his voice low but steady.
"Cai Lin… if you don't mind, could we delay the matter regarding the 'Glazed Soul Flame'? I'm afraid my current state of mind will distract me… and I don't want to cause you trouble."
He offered her an apologetic smile.
"I don't mind, Xiao Hua," Cai Lin replied gently, understanding his mood without question. She stepped closer, clasping his hand with her soft, cool fingers. "But don't let sorrow consume you. We're here with you… always."
"That's right," Little Fairy Doctor added warmly, joining them with a serene smile as she slipped her hand around his other arm. "And it's not like we won't see Sister Xun Er again. When that day comes, we'll make up for all the time you've been apart—together."
"Hehe! And in the meantime, make sure you refine some tasty medicinal pills for me to eat!" Zi Yan chimed in, puffing her cheeks proudly, nose lifted high in a smug expression.
Xiao Hua's brow twitched as he turned to her, exasperated. "In your case, you ought to be eating less, you gluttonous little lass!"
"What?! Aren't you a high-tier alchemist? Why are you being so stingy with something that simple?!" Zi Yan crossed her arms and scowled, clearly aggrieved.
"Just because I am one doesn't mean I should waste my skills on satisfying your bottomless appetite!" Xiao Hua retorted, though his smile—tinged with irritation—betrayed his fondness for the little dragon girl.
Their laughter and teasing banter filled the space where melancholy once lingered, pushing away the sorrow like morning light chasing away the mist. And though one person had flown far away, the warmth of those who remained wrapped around Xiao Hua like an unspoken promise: he was never alone.
…
After a short while, Cai Lin and Little Fairy Doctor took Zi Yan with them. The little dragon girl had suddenly grown restless, her eyes sparkling with a familiar intensity. From past experience, the two women had learned well—whenever Zi Yan acted this way, it often meant a high-grade natural treasure was nearby.
With the trio gone, Xiao Hua sat alone beneath the circular bamboo pavilion. The quiet rustling of leaves filled the air, and the gentle breeze stirred his robes.
Then, with a flick of his finger, a soft glow shimmered from the snow-white ring on his hand. A moment later, an illusionary figure emerged and hovered before him.
A translucent form materialized in the air—Tian Huo Zun-zhe.
"Tian Huo Zun-zhe," Xiao Hua greeted calmly, his posture straightening. "It's been some time since we last spoke."
His lips curled into a faint, teasing smile. "So? Was my refinement of the Tier 9 Treasure Pill to your satisfaction?"
Tian Huo Zun-zhe illusionary form stiffened slightly at the jest. He let out a helpless sigh before offering a respectful cupped-fist salute. "My apologies, Grandmaster Xiao, for my words in the magma world. I only hope this does not affect the agreement we made."
His humility came as no surprise. After all, Xiao Hua's successful refinement of a Tier 9 Treasure Pill had officially elevated him into the ranks of true Tier 9 Alchemists—a status that commanded awe and respect across the continent.
Even though Tian Huo Zun-zhe was a Dou Zun expert at his prime, in terms of occupation status, he now stood beneath Xiao Hua.
More importantly, Tian Huo Zun-zhe's revival depended entirely on Xiao Hua. Naturally, such circumstances demanded a respectful and measured tone.
Xiao Hua chuckled lightly, his tone warm yet composed. "You need not be so formal, Tian Hua Zun-zhe. I was merely teasing."
"As for my promise to help revive you… Naturally, I will fulfil it. But when the time comes, I'll be counting on you to protect me."
"Haha! Rest assured, Xiao Hua. So long as a single breath remains in this old body, no one shall lay a finger on you!" Tian Huo Zun-zhe burst into hearty laughter, his voice echoing through the stillness like a roaring flame.
He could see that the young man before him was still the same humble and respectful youth he had first met in the magma world. Though Xiao Hua's status had risen sharply—now standing among the most esteemed alchemists on the continent—his demeanor had not become arrogant or overbearing.
That alone brought true satisfaction to Yao Tian Huo's heart.
"It is not often one finds a rising star who remains grounded," he mused with admiration. "Too many let their fame cloud their judgment. But you…"
He smiled, then suddenly declared with bright eyes, "In fact, Xiao Hua, allow me to join that faction of yours—formed by your sworn brothers and sisters in the Central Plains."
Tian Huo Zun-zhe had long heard of the faction they were preparing to establish. He understood that Xiao Hua would inevitably take the helm, becoming not just a figurehead but its true backbone.
Although Tian Huo Zun-zhe had once roamed the world freely and untethered, he was no fool. With Xiao Hua's future brilliance and his status as a Tier 9 Alchemist, it was clear that walking beside him—sharing both the burdens and glories—would bring far more meaning than wandering alone.
Xiao Hua was momentarily taken aback by Yao Tian Huo's words. Though he had indeed planned to invite the elder expert into his faction, he hadn't expected the offer to come so soon.
He had assumed it would take time—perhaps after Yao Tian Huo had been revived and regained his full strength as a Dou Zun—before such a decision could be made. After all, in the original story, Yao Tian Huo had only agreed to join Feng Zun-zhe's faction after a long period of hesitation, and even then, it was largely because he had no better place to settle.
Xiao Hua had expected to wait, to bid his time patiently. Yet, it seemed he had underestimated the influence of a Tier 9 Alchemist.
With Yao Tian Huo's strength as a peak Dou Zun, his presence would undoubtedly provide a tremendous boost to the foundation of the faction Xiao Hua intended to build.
Composing himself, Xiao Hua cupped his fists and smiled warmly. "If that is the case, then I shall offer my gratitude. It is truly an honor to have Tian Huo Zun-zhe join us."
"Ke ke, no need for such formal thanks," Yao Tian Huo chuckled, stroking his beard with ease. "Perhaps in the days to come, it will be I who should be grateful—grateful for having chosen to walk alongside you and your path."
"As for the matter of your revival… may I ask you to wait a little longer?" Xiao Hua nodded, returning to the topic at hand.
"I don't mind," Yao Tian Huo replied with a calm smile. "A man should fulfill the promises he made to his woman before worrying about an old ghost like me."
Though he didn't fully understand the intricacies of the 'Glazed Soul Flame' method, he could tell it was a critical matter—one involving the healing of one of Xiao Hua's future wives. More importantly, it seemed to be a process where a single misstep could lead to devastating consequences, potentially reducing her body to ashes.
Naturally, it would be both unwise and inconsiderate for him to press the matter of his own revival at such a time. That could wait.
'Besides,' Yao Tian Huo mused inwardly, 'I can tell that this boy will never go back on his word. Not only that, he'll likely search for the finest materials and ensure every detail is perfect before reviving me. What's a little waiting, when such sincerity is guaranteed?'
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