"Second Brother, you're hurt?" Xiao Bai asked, surprised, eyeing the bandage on Xiao Li's left arm.
He and Hai Bodong had returned to the Desert Iron Mercenary Corps, while Medusa waited outside the city. Her striking presence risked alarming the Jia Ma Empire, who might misinterpret her arrival as a Snake-People plot against the border. With Xiao Bai's promise to aid her evolution, she avoided conflict, prioritizing her breakthrough.
"Hmph, just a scratch!" Xiao Li snorted, dismissive, his spirits high despite the injury.
Xiao Bai glanced at Xiao Ding, who recounted their return. The Sand Mercenary Corps, led by Luo Bu, had caused trouble. "I see," Xiao Bai said, a cold glint in his eyes, his voice calm.
"Where's Qing Lin?" Xiao Bai asked, scanning for the girl.
"Young Master, Young Master!" Before Xiao Ding could answer, a soft voice called. A green-clad figure darted from the courtyard, breathless.
"Running so fast? You'll trip!" Xiao Bai chided, gently tapping her head as she panted before him.
"Hehe, Qing Lin wanted to see Young Master sooner!" she said, flashing a goofy smile, dimples peeking out.
Amused by her adorable earnestness, Xiao Bai ruffled her hair. "I'm leaving," he told Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, pulling ten thousand gold coins from his storage ring.
"What's this?" Xiao Ding frowned, Xiao Li's face darkening. "You're treating us like outsiders? It was just digging a tunnel—not a big deal!" Xiao Ding protested.
Xiao Bai shook his head. "These coins aren't for you. They're for the wounded and fallen mercenaries. Double their compensation." He produced three porcelain vials—first-tier pills he'd refined, infused with Yi Wood True Lightning's essence, potent for healing.
"These are for you. Take them," he insisted.
Seeing his resolve, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li accepted. "Got everything?" Xiao Bai asked Qing Lin.
"Yep, all in the ring Young Master gave me!" She wiggled the storage ring on her finger, nodding with a grin. Xiao Bai had bought three in Wu Tan City: one for Xiao Yi Xian, one for Qing Lin, and one for the Green Lotus Core Flame.
"Take care," Xiao Bai said, nodding to the brothers. Scooping up Qing Lin, his Purple Cloud Wings unfurled, and he soared skyward, Hai Bodong trailing.
"Sigh, how does he cultivate like that?" Xiao Li gazed at Xiao Bai's receding figure, envy in his voice. Xiao Ding had shared the underground events, revealing Xiao Bai's Dou Wang status, shocking Xiao Li speechless. Having sparred with him, Xiao Li assumed Xiao Bai was only slightly stronger. He held back back then, didn't he?
"Take it slow," Xiao Ding said, patting his shoulder with a wry smile.
As they watched, a thunderclap roared. A crimson lightning bolt streaked from the sky, striking somewhere in the city. Xiao Ding and Xiao Li gaped—they'd seen it erupt from Xiao Bai.
"Big Brother, that direction…" Xiao Li said, incredulous, turning to Xiao Ding.
"Indeed, the Sand Mercenary Corps," Xiao Ding confirmed.
At the Sand Corps' training ground, silence reigned. Hundreds watched as thunder roared, a crimson bolt incinerating their leader, Luo Bu, into charred remains. Mo Xing, standing nearby, collapsed, bloodied and mangled.
"Run, run! The corps is done!"
"Must've offended a powerhouse—I saw someone fly overhead!"
"Flying? A Dou Wang or higher? I'm out—I'm no Sand Corps member anymore!"
"Right, let's join the Desert Iron! I hear they treat well!"
"Agreed, let's go!"
___
Outside the city, on a dune, Xiao Bai felt no ripple over the strike—just a single bolt. His gaze settled on the elegant figure standing with hands clasped, gazing into the distance. Clad in a red-gold robe, her curvaceous form was like a ripe peach, her unbound hair cascading to her slender waist. In the sunset's glow, her flawless, enigmatic profile shimmered with both allure and sanctity—an unmatched blend of seductive and regal poise.
What a calamitous beauty, Xiao Bai thought, his heart skipping. And this is without legs. Post-evolution, her charm will be lethal. Her fiery temper, though, made him shake his head. Conquer her, and she's unparalleled—loyal to one, stunning, strong, and devoted. The ideal wife.
"Done?" Medusa turned, her voice cool, exuding an innate calm and grace, as if she could hold up the sky alone.
"This… a child of Snake-People and humans?" Her eyes widened slightly, spotting Qing Lin. Such hybrids were rare, with most dying young, yet this girl seemed over ten.
"She's Qing Lin, my maid," Xiao Bai introduced, smiling.
"Heh, maid," Medusa scoffed, her gaze flicking to him with disdain, recalling his taunt about making her a pet or maid.
"What, regretting not taking the job?" Xiao Bai teased, ignoring her scorn.
"Men… none are decent," Medusa said flatly, her red lips curling.
She beckoned Qing Lin. "Little one, come here." Qing Lin glanced at Xiao Bai, approaching only after his nod. "Qing Lin greets Pretty Sister," she said softly.
Medusa's eyes softened, gesturing to her serpent tail. "Not scared of me?"
Qing Lin shook her head. "No, Qing Lin has it too!" She revealed the cyan scales on her arm.
Medusa studied them, her expression complex, sighing after a long pause. "You don't resent Qing Lin?" Xiao Bai asked, noting her mood.
"Why would I? She's just an innocent girl. With Snake-People blood, she's my kin. Have you seen a king resent their people?" Medusa shot him a cold, expressionless glance.