Chapter 249: Adorable Qinglin, Obsessive Admirer Youhen
"What? You wretched beast, how dare you!"
In the depths of the Beast Region, Qinglin, sitting atop the head of an eighth tier peak level Nine Serene Deep Python, was suddenly flung into the air as the massive serpent rebelled against her control.
The python opened its enormous maw, venom dripping from its fangs, ready to devour her whole.
"Die! Cursed Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils! How dare you think you could control me!"
The python's voice was deep and venomous, laced with rage. It seemed hellbent on making Qinglin pay for her audacity.
However, before the creature could fulfill its intentions, a thunderous voice echoed from above.
"How dare you!"
The entire sky trembled as Xiao Tiance's voice resounded, carrying an overwhelming might. In an instant, the heavens seemed to freeze, and time itself felt suspended.
The mighty Nine Serene Deep Python, which had been ready to strike, was slammed into the ground by an invisible force. Its massive body lay crushed, sinking into the earth as the sound of its bones shattering echoed.
Meanwhile, Qinglin, who had been falling helplessly through the air, found herself caught by a pair of strong arms.
Startled, she instinctively curled into the warmth of her rescuer's embrace. Slowly, she opened her eyes, only to meet a pair of deep, starry eyes framed by a handsome face.
A man with long, flowing hair stood before her, exuding a calm yet unyielding aura. His demeanor was so striking that Qinglin momentarily forgot her predicament, feeling an inexplicable sense of security.
"Little girl," Xiao Tiance's voice was calm yet carried a hint of reproach, "you're only a five star Dou King, yet you dare venture into the Beast Region alone and attempt to control an eighth tier peak level Nine Serene Deep Python. Should I praise your bravery or call you reckless?"
Qinglin blushed deeply, stammering her thanks. "Th thank you!"
Xiao Tiance smiled gently as he descended onto the python's crushed head, setting Qinglin down beside him. Looking at her delicate features, her slightly timid demeanor, and the striking Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils in her eyes, he couldn't help but feel amused.
"You're Qinglin, right?" he asked with a knowing look.
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Y you know me?"
She was sure she had never seen this man before. His noble bearing and extraordinary presence were unforgettable, and if they had met before, she wouldn't have forgotten him.
"Of course I do," Xiao Tiance said with a nod. **"You were born in the Tagore Desert and once worked as a servant in the mercenary group led by my Xiao Clan juniors, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
The intelligence network at Tianji Tower had once brought your information to my attention.
At the time, you posed no threat, and I had more pressing matters to attend to, so I didn't pay you much heed.
But it seems you've grown quite a bit. Not only have you reached the strength of a five star Dou King, but you've also become bold enough to use your Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils to control a peak level Nine Serene Deep Python.
Do you even realize how dangerous this is? Even ordinary Half Saint experts avoid provoking an eighth tier python like this one, especially in the Beast Region its clan's territory."**
Qinglin blushed even deeper, looking both bashful and guilty. She timidly asked, "Senior, if you know about Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, do you also know where Young Master Xiao Yan is?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled, his tone playful. "Oh? You seem very concerned about Xiao Yan."
Her face turned scarlet, and she averted her gaze, unable to meet his teasing eyes.
Indeed, Xiao Yan had left a deep impression on her heart. In her time with him in the Tagore Desert, his unwavering confidence and respect had earned her admiration, and perhaps, a budding affection.
Qinglin's Story
Like in the original timeline, Qinglin's encounter with Xiao Yan in the Tagore Desert had a profound impact on her. She had aided him in searching for the Green Lotus Core Flame and was later captured by the Mo Clan, who intended to use forbidden techniques to extract her Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils.
At the critical moment, Xiao Yan arrived to rescue her, but during his battle with Mo Cheng, she was taken by two Dou Kings from the Heavenly Snake Mansion. Xiao Yan, despite being heavily outmatched, managed to seriously injure one of them with his first Buddha's Fury Flame Lotus, but Qinglin was still taken away.
Over time, Qinglin grew stronger within the Heavenly Snake Mansion, eventually rising to become one of its most powerful members. After escaping their control, she began searching for Xiao Yan.
However, her journey to Central Plains was fraught with danger. In the vast region teeming with experts, her strength as a five star Dou King was insufficient to protect herself. Many coveted her unique eyes, forcing her to flee to the Beast Region for safety.
Here, she encountered the Nine Serene Deep Python and, using her Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils, temporarily subdued it. But as her energy waned, the python broke free, nearly ending her life before Xiao Tiance's intervention.
Qinglin's Admiration
Blushing deeply, Qinglin tried to downplay her feelings. "Senior, please don't misunderstand. I'm merely a servant to Young Master Xiao Yan."
Xiao Tiance couldn't help but laugh softly.
**"Little girl, you underestimate yourself. Those Blue Serpent Three Flower Pupils of yours are a gift few possess.
As for Xiao Yan… yes, I know where he is. But before that, let me ask: what are you planning to do? With your current strength, you're not ready to face the dangers of Central Plains."**
Qinglin hesitated, her resolve flickering in her bright eyes. Before she could respond, Xiao Tiance reached out, placing a hand gently on her head.
"No need to rush. I'll take you under my wing for now. Once you're ready, I'll take you to meet Xiao Yan myself."
For a moment, Qinglin was stunned. Then, with tears welling in her eyes, she nodded fervently.
**"Hehe, enough. The matters between you and Xiao Yan are none of my concern.
Xiao Yan is currently in the Fallen Heart Flame Realm, refining the Purifying Lotus Demon Flame. He won't be finished anytime soon.
If you want to meet him, you can follow me back to Xiao Clan's Tianwaitian. Once he finishes, he'll undoubtedly return there, and you'll be able to see him,"** Xiao Tiance said casually, waving his hand indifferently.
"Really? Senior, you're willing to take me there to wait for Xiao Yan?" Qinglin's face lit up with excitement, her big eyes sparkling as she looked at Xiao Tiance.
Seeing her eager expression, Xiao Tiance shook his head helplessly. **"This girl has fallen hard for Xiao Yan. Or perhaps it's that Xiao Yan's protagonist aura is too strong.
From Yun Yun, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, Ya Fei, Qinglin, Xiao Xun'er, to countless other beauties he's drawn them all in.
Among them, if I were to say who would devote themselves to him unconditionally, Qinglin and Xiao Xun'er would undoubtedly be at the top."**
"Of course. Tianwaitian is vast; there's no shortage of rooms for you. Moreover, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li are also training in Tianwaitian," Xiao Tiance reassured her with a smile.
"Please, take me with you. I would greatly appreciate it!" Qinglin immediately bowed respectfully, her sincerity evident.
Looking at her serious expression, Xiao Tiance couldn't help but sigh. "Fine, I have to admit, Xiao Yan is one lucky guy. Alright, let's go. I'll take you back to Tianwaitian."
Just as he finished speaking, Xiao Tiance retracted the oppressive force holding down the Nine Serene Deep Python.
Freed from the pressure, the massive serpent slowly raised its head and cast a glance at Xiao Tiance. What it saw shocked it to its core.
The python immediately lowered its head in submission, speaking in a trembling voice, "This lowly one, Youhen of the Nine Serene Deep Python Clan, greets Lord Tiance!"
This sudden display of reverence caught Xiao Tiance off guard. He had initially considered stomping the beast to death and turning it into food. But hearing its respectful greeting, he paused.
"You know me?" Xiao Tiance asked, raising an eyebrow.
**"Yes, Lord Tiance. Several years ago, I had the honor of accompanying the two Phoenix Kings of the Heavenly Phoenix Tribe during their campaign against the Ancient Void Dragon Clan on Eastern Dragon Island.
I witnessed your unparalleled might when you personally rescued the two Kings. Later, I heard from the elders in my clan that you are the teacher of the Phoenix Kings and the strongest person on the Dou Qi Continent.
I was deeply shaken. After returning to the Beast Region, I even sought a skilled painter to create your portrait, which I've worshiped day and night to honor your greatness,"** Youhen said, his eyes filled with fervent admiration, as if meeting a deity.
Xiao Tiance felt a tinge of embarrassment. With a wry smile, he descended from the python's head, gently pulling Qinglin down with him. Then, with a flick of his hand, he sent a healing surge of Dou Qi into Youhen, mending its injuries.
"Very well. It seems you've been fortunate today to encounter me."
Feeling his injuries rapidly healing, Youhen's massive form shifted, transforming into a tall, muscular man with a shaved head. He immediately knelt before Xiao Tiance, his tone reverent.
"Thank you, Lord Tiance! Thank you!"
The Dou Qi Continent had always revered strength, and this principle was even more pronounced in the magical beast world.
When Youhen learned that Xiao Tiance was the teacher of the Phoenix Kings, he and many other magical beasts who had survived the Eastern Dragon Island battle became ardent admirers. Xiao Tiance's name had sparked a wave of reverence across the Beast Region, with many magical beasts commissioning portraits of him for worship.
Even when Xiao Qing sent people to assist the Phoenix Kings in managing the Beast Region, they were astounded by the well behaved and reverent attitude of the beasts.
Tiance's Inquiry
"No need to thank me," Xiao Tiance said, waving dismissively. "By the way, how are things in the Beast Region these days?"
**"Reporting to Lord Tiance: the Beast Region is thriving. Lord Xiao Qing dispatched human experts to assist with governance for several years.
Last year, Lord Ling Yun returned to oversee the region, and with the Gathering Spirit Arrays granted by the Xiao Clan, both the Nine Serene Deep Python Clan and the Heavenly Phoenix Tribe have made significant advancements.
We stand ready at your command. Should you wish to launch another campaign against the Ancient Void Dragons, we are prepared to follow you to battle!"** Youhen declared, his eyes blazing with fanaticism.
Xiao Tiance extended his spiritual perception and quickly located Ling Yun within the Heavenly Phoenix Tribe's territory. However, he decided not to disturb him Ling Yun was perfectly capable of handling matters on his own.
"Alright, return to your duties. Do not mention to anyone that you encountered me today. Should I require your assistance, you will be notified," Xiao Tiance instructed.
"Understood, Lord Tiance. I will comply immediately," Youhen said with a deep bow before vanishing swiftly.
Qinglin's Curiosity
Watching Youhen disappear, Qinglin tilted her head curiously. "Senior, why was that Nine Serene Deep Python so respectful to you? And what is this 'Ancient Void Dragon Clan' he mentioned?"
Seeing Qinglin's adorably puzzled expression, Xiao Tiance chuckled. **"The Ancient Void Dragons are one of the most powerful magical beast clans on the Dou Qi Continent.
But these matters don't concern you. Come, let's return to Tianwaitian. I've been away for far too long and miss home."**
"Oh! Alright!" Qinglin nodded excitedly.
Xiao Tiance placed a hand gently on her shoulder, and in an instant, the two vanished into the void, reappearing as a streak of light racing toward Central Plains.
Qinglin's Awkward Question
As they traveled through the void, Qinglin hesitated before asking, "Senior, since you're related to Young Master Xiao Yan, how should I address you?"
Xiao Tiance chuckled warmly. **"Hehe, I am Xiao Yan's ancestor and the former head of the Xiao Clan. Now, I'm the Grand Elder. You're right; it might be a bit awkward to address me.
How about this since you're Xiao Yan's friend, and his friends like Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian call me 'Sir,' you can address me the same way."**
"Qinglin greets you, Sir!" Qinglin said with a respectful bow.
**"No need to be so formal when it's just us. We'll reach Tianwaitian near the Tianmu Mountain Range in about two hours.
Tell me, Qinglin, do you like Xiao Yan? If you do, I can arrange for you to marry him when he returns."**
"M marry?!" Qinglin's face flushed bright red as she stammered, completely flustered.
(Chapter End)
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