Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:
patreon.com/ZeroMoney
I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated.
******
"What incredible skill this mysterious elder has," Yao Lao sighed.
Xiao Yixian's eyes were also filled with admiration for Shui Wuya.
Shui Wuyue released his possession of Xiao Yan and returned to the mysterious ring, vanishing like a shadow.
"Thank you for saving my life, Senior!" Bohai Dong knelt on the ground, his face full of flattery.
Xiao Yan smiled faintly, silently noting how Bohai Dong's attitude toward him had undergone a complete 180-degree shift. This change clearly showed how extraordinary his master's methods were.
Shui Wuya's voice transmitted to Xiao Yan: "Bohai Dong has been subdued. It's time to head to the Taklamakan Desert and search for the Green Lotus Core Flame."
Xiao Yan's heart surged at the words. Finally, the time had come to seek the Green Lotus Core Flame, a critical step in his cultivation that would greatly benefit his future progress.
"Excellent!" Xiao Yan said excitedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Xiao Yixian couldn't help but smile widely at his enthusiasm. She knew how important this step was for Xiao Yan and his pursuit of power.
Bohai Dong, on the other hand, stood silently nearby, shaken by what he had witnessed. These people still intended to gather exotic flames, but obtaining the Green Lotus Core Flame was no easy task.
However, now that he had pledged his allegiance to Xiao Yan, he had no choice but to follow him, no matter where it led.
"Let's set off," Xiao Yan declared without hesitation, leading Xiao Yixian and Bohai Dong toward the Taklamakan Desert.
With Xiao Yan at the helm, the group crossed mountains and rivers, eventually reaching the distant and mysterious Taklamakan Desert.
The desert stretched endlessly in all directions, its vast golden sands glowing under the scorching sun.
The hot winds carried a searing heat, the dry air so oppressive that even breathing felt like inhaling flames.
Xiao Yan scanned the surroundings, his gaze sharp and vigilant. The dangers hidden in the desert could not be underestimated, especially in a notorious place like the Taklamakan.
Xiao Yixian stayed close behind Xiao Yan, her eyes full of curiosity and eagerness. She was intrigued by the mysteries this desert held.
Meanwhile, Bohai Dong's expression remained tense. He was no stranger to the desert's harsh environment, but he knew that the Taklamakan was no ordinary place. It was filled with countless dangers and treasures, where a single misstep could lead to an untimely end.
Guided by Shui Wuya, Xiao Yan led Xiao Yixian and Bohai Dong to the location of the Green Lotus Core Flame.
The area was deep and mysterious, shrouded in an aura of secrets and peril.
When they arrived, they encountered a woman clad in a luxurious robe.
Her face was stunningly beautiful, her skin as translucent as snow, with long, flowing black hair that cascaded like a waterfall. Her eyes, though, were unnerving—narrow like a snake's, emitting a cold, chilling light.
This was Medusa, a woman whose beauty was intoxicating but whose eerie aura sent chills down the spine.
In her hands, she cradled the Green Lotus Core Flame, though the flame was anything but obedient. It continued to burn her hands, yet her face remained resolute, enduring the excruciating pain as she attempted to tame the powerful fire.
"Someone got here first."
"How strange... Is she from the Snake Tribe?"
Xiao Yan and his companions couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the sight.
Yao Lao was especially taken aback by Medusa's actions.
As a seasoned cultivator, he understood the allure of exotic flames, but for a snake person to withstand the burning agony of such a flame and even attempt to seize it by force—that was something truly rare.
"This Snakewoman's resilience is truly astonishing," Yao Lao remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration for Medusa's determination.
Bohai Dong, upon seeing Medusa again, was overwhelmed by a surge of emotions.
Once defeated by her and marked with the Snake Seal, Bohai Dong harbored deep fear toward this snakewoman demon. However, now, his hatred far outweighed his fear.
"Medusa, do you remember who I am?" Bohai Dong stepped forward, his gaze burning with anger and the resolve for vengeance.
Medusa's eyes immediately sharpened with caution as she noticed Bohai Dong and the others. She knew they had also come for the Green Lotus Core Flame.
Seeing Bohai Dong, Medusa sneered, assuming he had come for revenge.
"Oh, of course I remember you, my defeated foe," Medusa's voice dripped with mockery and disdain.
Xiao Yan stepped forward and spoke to Medusa, "Sister Medusa, we don't wish to be your enemies. Please hand over the Green Lotus Core Flame, and we won't make things difficult for you."
Medusa paused for a moment, giving Xiao Yan a long, assessing look. Seeing that he was merely at the Dou Zhe level and that Xiao Yixian by his side wasn't particularly powerful either, a wave of contempt rose within her.
"Who do you think you are? Why should I give you the Green Lotus Core Flame?" she taunted.
She then turned her scorn toward Bohai Dong. "And you—bringing two little brats to get revenge? Have you lost your mind?"
Bohai Dong, unable to contain his fury, unleashed the powerful aura of a Dou Huang and threatened Medusa, "Hand over the Green Lotus Core Flame, or today, I'll settle both old and new grudges together."
Medusa was momentarily startled, realizing that Bohai Dong had broken her seal and restored his strength. However, her shock quickly faded, and she regained her composure.
"The Green Lotus Core Flame is mine. If you have the guts, come and take it," Medusa coldly replied.
Bohai Dong, consumed by his thirst for vengeance, turned to Xiao Yan, who gave him a slight nod, signaling that he was free to strike.
"Medusa, today we'll settle this once and for all!" Bohai Dong roared, his voice brimming with anger and determination.
With that, Bohai Dong revealed the strength of a two-star Dou Huang, summoning frigid energy that coalesced into an ice blade in his hand, which he then slashed fiercely toward Medusa.
Although Medusa's power had been significantly weakened by the searing pain of the exotic flame, she still possessed the peak strength of a Dou Huang and demonstrated remarkable combat skills.
Bohai Dong relentlessly unleashed ice-based Dou Techniques, attempting to overwhelm Medusa, but her superior cultivation and agile movements allowed her to evade his attacks with ease.
As he recalled the profound ice techniques displayed by that mysterious elder, Bohai Dong couldn't help but feel a sense of powerlessness and insignificance, realizing how small he was in comparison.
Even so, Bohai Dong refused to retreat. He pressed forward with all his might, continuously releasing various ice techniques in a desperate effort to suppress Medusa.
(End of Chapter)