Chapter 114: When I Become Strong, I'll Return to Be Your Maid
Gazing at the enormous, serpentine magical beast that had appeared in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.
This serpent's speed was startling—it had crossed a tremendous distance in only a few flashes.
Still, it wasn't as fast as Yun Yun.
The beast was immense, pitch-black in color, its scales decorated with intricate, multicolored patterns. Along its sides were eight black-and-purple wings, and atop its head was a spiraled black horn, glowing faintly with a poisonous violet hue. The markings on its head formed a subtle crown shape, and within its triangular pupils was not the wildness of a beast—but a sharp, cunning intelligence akin to a human's.
"Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor?"
Hai Bodong's face shifted, blurting out in surprise as he recognized it.
The Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor—an exceptionally gifted magical beast, the evolved form of a two-winged black serpent. From rank three onward, with every new level it gained a new pair of wings. Once it reached eight wings, it became the notorious and feared Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor of the Dou Qi continent!
Xiao Yuan wasn't surprised. Judging by its aura, this serpent was roughly at the six-star Dou Huang level.
High in the sky, the green-clad woman and the colossal serpent stood side by side, their terrifying auras shredding the night clouds apart.
This… was going to be troublesome.
Feeling the twin Dou Huang pressures, Xiao Yan and Hai Bodong grew visibly tense.
"What now, kid? These two are stronger than I ever was at my peak. Not easy to deal with."
Hai Bodong sent Xiao Yuan a quiet voice transmission.
"Brother?" Xiao Yan followed up anxiously.
Xiao Yuan wasn't overly concerned. The Heavenly Serpent Palace was indeed a good place. If Qinglian stayed by his side, she might remain just a slightly stronger maid for life.
But all of this depended on her choice.
Of course, he couldn't outright say he knew about the Heavenly Serpent Palace. Just as he was about to speak comfortingly, a familiar presence made him smile.
"My backup's arrived."
With a chuckle, a powerful aura suddenly burst from the distance. In a flash, a graceful and elegant figure appeared at Xiao Yuan's side.
Another Dou Huang!
The green-robed woman and the Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor both shrank their pupils in surprise. Staring at the newcomer—a woman dressed in a tight, regal purple-and-gold robe, her hair styled like a noble phoenix crown—they recognized Yun Yun.
Although her rank was slightly lower than theirs, her speed was terrifying. And with three Dou Huangs now on Jia Ma Empire's side, they would struggle to win before reinforcements arrived.
"You're alright?"
Yun Yun's first concern was Xiao Yuan's wellbeing. Although they hadn't been apart long, she had sensed the shattered jade slip and rushed here under cover of night.
"I'm fine. The Mo Clan kidnapped someone important to me. I wanted you here to uphold justice, but things got complicated, so I killed Mo Cheng myself."
Xiao Yuan spoke softly.
"Mo Cheng? That outer elder of our Misty Cloud Sect?"
Yun Yun blinked, surprised.
"Yes," Xiao Yuan nodded.
"Let's discuss that later. These two—are they friends of yours?"
Seeing him nod, Yun Yun let it go and turned toward the two Dou Huangs.
"One's my teacher, the other is…"
Before he could finish, Yun Yun tilted her head and asked, "You're… Elder Hai?"
"It's been twenty years. Looks like Yun Shan's little disciple has grown into a Dou Huang herself."
Hai Bodong's tone was complex.
Back when he sparred with Yun Shan, Yun Yun had been just a girl. Now she was even stronger than him. If Yun Shan hadn't died, he likely would've already broken through to Dou Zong.
"Elder Hai's reputation left a lasting impression on me."
Yun Yun smiled politely.
"Haha, those days are long gone."
Hai Bodong waved it off, then asked, "Is that old Yun Shan still alive?"
Yun Yun wasn't offended. They were of the same generation, and this was how they always spoke.
She paused, then smiled faintly. "My teacher has been in seclusion these years. He's in good health. He mentioned you fondly not long ago."
"Good. I'll visit him when I have time."
Hai Bodong nodded.
After a bit of catching up, Yun Yun turned her attention back to the woman and serpent.
"Those two?"
"They have their eye on my maid. They want to take her away."
Xiao Yuan shrugged.
"That girl's your maid? She's very pretty… but that alone wouldn't warrant two Dou Huangs. Does she have something special?"
Yun Yun asked as her gaze swept over Qinglian.
"She possesses the Green Snake Three-Flowered Pupils. Mo Cheng wanted to transplant her eyes."
Xiao Yuan answered solemnly.
Yun Yun realized just how depraved Mo Cheng had become and nodded. She stepped in front of Xiao Yuan, staring coldly at the serpent duo.
Five Dou Huang-level auras now clashed in the sky, the very air trembling under the pressure.
Everyone in Yancheng felt it. The oppressive might weighed on their bodies, making even breathing difficult.
Damn… why did Yun Yun arrive so quickly?
The Eight-Winged Black Serpent Emperor, once eager to flaunt its might, now hesitated.
Even with confidence in its speed, Yun Yun's reputation as Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Leader was terrifying.
"This is bad. Lü Man, are you sure it's the Three-Flowered Pupils?"
The serpent's booming voice was filled with concern.
"Yes, I've confirmed it," Lü Man replied, her joy evident. "But in this situation…"
"It's hopeless."
The serpent shook its head. Without the girl in hand, there's no way to win.
"Everyone," Lü Man stepped forward and said with a polite smile, "I am Lü Man of the Heavenly Serpent Palace. The girl bears the Green Snake Three-Flowered Pupils, which we revere. We came upon sensing its awakening and wish to bring her back to nurture her as a Saintess. We mean her no harm."
"Heavenly Serpent Palace?"
Hai Bodong and Yun Yun exchanged glances. Xiao Yuan remained indifferent, while in Xiao Yan's heart, Yao Lao muttered:
So they're from Heavenly Serpent Palace. No wonder I felt a familiar aura. I met their Palace Master long ago. This Lü Man must've been just a girl then.
"You've been to Heavenly Serpent Palace, teacher?"
Xiao Yan asked mentally.
"Yes. They treasure those with the Three-Flowered Pupils, raising them as Saintesses and future Palace Masters. All their resources go toward nurturing her. With the pupils' talent, it wouldn't take more than a few years to reach Dou Huang—or even Dou Zong."
"Dou Zong?!"
Xiao Yan was stunned. In the Jia Ma Empire, no one had publicly reached Dou Zong in years. But Qinglian could become one in just a few years?
So this is the power of natural constitution and a true great force... terrifying.
"I have to tell Brother."
He relayed Yao Lao's explanation to Xiao Yuan.
"Heavenly Serpent Palace…"
Xiao Yuan murmured, then descended to where Qinglian stood. He looked her in the eyes.
"Little one, the green-clad lady belongs to one of the Northwest's strongest factions. If you go with them, you'll become powerful much faster. But if you stay, I'll protect you for the rest of your life. The choice is yours."
His voice was gentle and warm, like flowing water.
Qinglian fell silent.
The choice pained her.
She had only just reunited with her young master—and now she had to leave?
But the helplessness she felt when captured… it was unbearable.
If she could grow strong enough to protect not only herself—but even him...
Wasn't that what a true maid should do?
Eyes misting, her voice trembling, she said:
"I… I want to stay by your side, young master… but I'm too weak. This time, you had to save me. I don't want to be a burden. So… I'll go with that sister. I'll come back stronger, and become a worthy maid."
Xiao Yuan's nose stung. Though he had originally favored Qinglian because of her potential, she had become utterly devoted to him.
"It's alright. I'd never reject you. If you don't want to leave, no one will take you from me."
He smiled and stroked her hair gently.
"But young master… I want to help you. I won't be a burden. I'll go."
Her tone firmed.
"…Very well. You have ambition. I respect that."
He nodded, then carried her toward Lü Man.
"You heard her. She's simple-minded, so you'd better guarantee that no one in your Palace mistreats her. If I hear otherwise—even if you have a Dou Zong or Dou Zun—I'll come knocking."
He handed Qinglian over, his tone icy.
"Rest assured. No one dares bully our Saintess. But… summoning three Dou Huangs, and being this young with such strength—who are you? The Jia Ma Empire can't produce a genius like you."
Lü Man asked curiously.
"You'll know someday—if fate allows."
Xiao Yuan smiled mysteriously.
"You're a strange one. Fine, I'll take the Saintess now."
Lü Man pouted, gave her serpent a glare, and said, "Useless white fangs, what good are you?"
With that, her green wings flared, and she soared into the distance. The serpent followed with a sigh.
As they departed, Xiao Yan glanced at Yun Yun beside Xiao Yuan and tactfully flew away.
Hai Bodong followed suit.
Xiao Yuan stared in the direction Qinglian had gone, his aura subdued.
Logically, this was the best decision—but her tearful eyes lingered painfully in his heart.
"We'll see her again."
Yun Yun's gentle voice consoled him, and he smiled faintly.
"I know. I just hate goodbyes."
With that, he flew down toward Mo Lan.
Yun Yun followed silently.
Seeing the intimacy between Yun Yun and the mysterious cloaked youth, Mo Lan's heart sank.
The Mo Clan was doomed.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1