Chapter 94: The Young Maid Qinglian
The next morning, Xiao Yuan opened his eyes after a rare night of restful sleep, without any cultivation.
Feeling the lingering effects of the alcohol in his system, he clicked his tongue and sighed. Then, crossing his legs, he began circulating his Dou Qi. Moments later, he exhaled deeply, releasing a cloud of wine vapor, and his eyes regained clarity.
Last night, using his superior internal fortitude, Xiao Yuan had drunk both of his older brothers and several of the mercenary brothers under the table—by himself.
However, the excess alcohol still left residue in his system. Even a full night's rest hadn't fully dissipated it.
Fortunately, in this world, Dou Qi was practically omnipotent.
Creak—
Just then, the door gently creaked open, and a dainty figure stepped in cautiously. The girl jumped slightly upon seeing Xiao Yuan sitting on the bed and watching her, then quickly bowed with a shy greeting:
"Young Master Xiao Yuan, you're awake!"
Xiao Yuan looked at the girl in a light green dress—petite in frame but already quite curvaceous—and smiled gently.
"Mm, I'm awake. What's your name?"
The girl froze for a moment, then softly set down the basin of water on a wooden rack beside the bed and replied in a timid voice:
"M-my name is Qinglin. I was sent to assist you with washing up."
"Heh, no need to trouble yourself. I can do that myself."
Smiling, Xiao Yuan got out of bed and began washing up at the basin.
Once he finished, Qinglin tiptoed to the clothes rack, took down a fresh set of clothes, and prepared to help him get dressed.
As she moved, the sunlight reflected off her pale wrist, revealing a shimmer of green. Upon closer inspection, there were faint green snake scales on her skin.
Such scales might look out of place on most humans—but on Qinglin, they possessed a strange elegance.
Noticing Xiao Yuan's interested gaze, Qinglin instinctively followed his eyes. When she realized she had exposed her arm, her face turned pale. She quickly pulled down her sleeve, hiding her arm. Her delicate figure trembled, and her eyes welled with tears.
…?
Xiao Yuan understood at once—this poor girl had clearly been traumatized. Without waiting for her to speak, he gently patted her head and said warmly:
"I don't like the name Qinglin. I'm giving you a new one: Qinglian. It comes from the lotus—pure, untouched by the mud, washed by clear waters without being seductive. What do you think?"
Staring into Xiao Yuan's gentle gaze, Qinglian's fragile heart, long scarred by mistreatment, rippled strangely.
She blinked her watery, subtly enchanting eyes and nodded shyly, though hesitant.
Still, in her heart she thought: "Qinglian… is definitely prettier than Qinglin… but what does that weird saying even mean?"
Seeing her confusion, Xiao Yuan realized what he had said and explained sheepishly:
"It means a lotus that grows from the mud remains unstained, and though it's cleansed by water, it doesn't become gaudy."
"Master… aren't you afraid?"
Qinglian bit her lip and asked tentatively.
"Afraid? Of what? You planning to eat me or something?"
Xiao Yuan opened his arms, motioning for her to help him dress.
Understanding, Qinglian stepped forward and quietly helped him into his robe.
"Everyone hates me… Even some kind people, once they see my… scales, they get scared. Then comes the disgust."
Her voice was low and laced with sadness. Clearly, life hadn't been kind to her.
"Heh, that's not your fault. Normally, people like you wouldn't even survive past two years old. Just being alive is already a miracle. That's why you should live boldly. You deserve it more than anyone.
As for others' opinions—ignore them. Know what you want, then chase it. The meaning of your life is for you to define. You're not a mistake. If someone wants you dead just because of your origins, then instead of crying and waiting for death, you should figure out how to kill them first.
Got it?"
Xiao Yuan smiled warmly as he finished dressing.
"Huh?"
It was the first time Qinglian had heard such bold reasoning. She was a bit stunned.
"In short, you've done nothing wrong. Their hatred is theirs to bear. After all, humans and snakefolk have been at war for years—grudges that go deep.
But you should never hate yourself. If you give up on yourself, then all hope is lost. You're a beautiful little girl. I've always liked pretty girls. If you're willing, stay with me as my maid."
Xiao Yuan rubbed her dazed little head and walked out the door.
Qinglian stood frozen, stunned by his warmth. A moment later, a dreamy smile bloomed on her face, and within her pupils, three tiny green dots faintly flickered.
Snapping out of it, she grabbed the water basin and chased after him, calling sweetly:
"Master! Wait for me!"
From then on, Xiao Yuan trained daily under the care of his thoughtful little maid. When he felt like it, he'd take her out to stroll through Stone Desert City.
Sometimes, he even brought her along on missions with the mercenary squad—just to stretch his legs.
Meanwhile, Xiao Yan was undergoing a far more intense cultivation.
After receiving the map with Heavenly Flame information from Hai Bodong, he had followed the marked path, training while traveling. Finally, he reached the first location said to possibly house a Heavenly Flame.
But after two days of searching—nothing!
Under Yao Lao's guidance, though, his training had progressed rapidly.
Still, he dared not slack off.
Before leaving Mo City, Hai Bodong had informed him that his third brother had already reached five-star Dou Shi.
Unbelievable!
Xiao Yan even feared that by the time they reunited, Third Bro would be a six-star Dou Shi already.
"Teacher… Did that old guy give us fake info?"
Xiao Yan sighed and muttered.
"…Hard to say. This area doesn't seem any different from the rest. I don't feel anything unusual."
Yao Lao drifted down beside him, frowning.
"Maybe we should head to Stone Desert City? My brothers have been there for years—they'll know the terrain better than we do. Might help."
Xiao Yan hesitated, then suggested.
"…Alright."
Yao Lao considered it for a moment and nodded.
—
Early morning, Qinglian opened the door and walked in. Seeing Xiao Yuan seated cross-legged in a light robe, slowly opening his eyes from cultivation, she blinked and said softly:
"Master… You didn't sleep again?"
"Hehe, I'm used to it. If I don't cultivate for a day, I feel restless."
Xiao Yuan got up smiling and, with Qinglian's soft hands assisting him, dressed in his white robe.
"You're so diligent, Master."
Qinglian giggled.
"I have to be. I can't afford not to."
Xiao Yuan shrugged casually.
"But you're already so strong…"
Qinglian pouted softly.
"Not enough. In this Jia Ma Empire, Dou Huang is true strength. A Dou Shi is nothing. Across the whole continent—even Dou Huang isn't that powerful.
Sometimes I wonder—what level of cultivation makes one a true powerhouse? Dou Zong? Dou Zun? Or Dou Sheng? As long as there's someone above me who can end my life, I won't consider myself strong.
That's why I must train until I'm invincible in this world. Only then… can I truly rest."
Xiao Yuan's voice grew distant as he spoke, his heart stirring.
Hearing his bold declaration, Qinglian's lips parted in awe, and her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Young Master Xiao Yuan is just too captivating.
"Let's go out for a walk. I'm in a good mood today—feels like something nice might happen."
Xiao Yuan said with a bright smile.
"Mm! After you, Young Master."
Qinglian quickly scampered to the door, opened it, and smiled playfully.
"Heh, you little rascal."
Xiao Yuan chuckled, shook his head, and stepped outside.
Today was the Mo Iron Mercenary Group's quarterly strength evaluation. Those who performed well in the test could earn the right to lead a team and officially become captains.
This healthy competition helped the group's members rapidly improve, and it was one of the main reasons why the Mo Iron Mercenary Group consistently held a clear lead over other groups in Stone Desert City.
This test system had originally been proposed by Xiao Ding. After exchanging many letters with Xiao Yuan, it had gradually been refined into its current form.
Along the way, many latecomers could be seen running toward the training grounds. When they passed by Xiao Yuan, they respectfully greeted him as Third Commander.
By now, Xiao Yuan's strength was widely acknowledged, and he had earned the respect of the members. Because of that, those who once looked at Qinglian with disdain now kept their opinions to themselves—some even smiled at her politely.
This firsthand experience made Qinglian deeply aware of how important power truly was.
Xiao Yuan, of course, wasn't going to participate in the assessment—he'd be bullying them. So he strolled along leisurely, chatting and laughing with Qinglian as they made their way to the back courtyard.
Just as he was about to step through the gate, Xiao Yuan suddenly raised an eyebrow, a smile blooming in his eyes.
In one swift motion, he grabbed Qinglian—his hand brushing her wrist and the cool texture of her scales—but he didn't pay it any mind. He gently pulled the small girl into his arms, and with a surge of green light, his figure vanished like drifting leaves.
Qinglian only felt herself swept into a broad, warm chest. Her vision blurred, and the next thing she knew, they were standing at the entrance of the Mo Iron Mercenary Group's compound.
…?
She blinked in surprise. Her petite frame still pressed to his chest, her cheeks flushed red from the heat of his hand around her waist and the warmth of his embrace. She looked up dazedly at her young master's handsome face.
"Qinglian, wait here for a moment."
Xiao Yuan smiled gently, ruffled her hair, and strode outside.
Right outside the gate, Xiao Yan had just arrived, about to enter, when he found Xiao Yuan walking right toward him.
"Brother?!"
Joy flooded Xiao Yan's face as he hurried forward.
"You sure got here fast! I figured I'd be waiting another two months!"
Xiao Yuan hugged Xiao Yan and laughed.
"Heh, long story!"
Xiao Yan smiled bitterly, a trace of past suffering in his eyes.
"Third Commander, this is… Fourth Commander?"
A familiar voice called from nearby—it was Danzi, the mercenary Xiao Yuan had saved earlier.
"Mm, this kid's a Dou Shi too. That 'Fourth Commander' title suits him just fine! I'll take him inside."
Xiao Yuan nodded with a grin, then patted Xiao Yan on the shoulder.
"You came at the perfect time. Big Bro and Second Bro are both inside. Let's go!"
He led Xiao Yan through the gates. Meanwhile, Qinglian stood frozen where she was, still dazed from her young master's embrace.
"Come on, Qinglian, we're heading to the back courtyard."
Seeing her spaced out, Xiao Yuan chuckled and gently pulled her by the wrist.
"Third Bro, who's this?"
Xiao Yan asked curiously, eyeing the petite girl.
When did Third Bro start liking them this young?
"My little maid, Qinglian. She's got potential. I'll explain later."
Xiao Yuan gave a quick answer and led them both toward the back courtyard.
As soon as they entered, they were met by a roar of shouting—hundreds of people were in the middle of chaotic sparring. Around the field, spectators hollered excitedly, with some even betting on who would be the last five standing.
"Look, Big Bro and Second Bro are over there."
Xiao Yuan pointed toward the platform across the training field and smiled at Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan blinked, then looked up and saw Xiao Ding and Xiao Li seated on the platform. The sight of his two older brothers brought a stinging warmth to his nose.
He hadn't seen them in years… and he missed them dearly.
As if sensing their gaze, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li looked over. The moment they saw Xiao Yuan and Xiao Yan, joy lit up their faces.
Xiao Yan's eyes moistened. He blinked rapidly and forced a smile to suppress the emotion.
Then, Xiao Yuan chuckled as he noticed Xiao Li point at the field, then at Xiao Yan.
"Second Bro's challenging you. Looks like he wants to test your progress."
He bumped Xiao Yan's shoulder with a grin.
"Why not challenge you instead?"
Xiao Yan asked with a wry smile.
"Because they already did. We had a match privately. They both came at me together—and I knocked them down."
Xiao Yuan shrugged innocently.
Of course, he was referring to their drinking session, not an actual sparring match. But Xiao Yan didn't know that.
"Sigh, alright then."
Xiao Yan sighed, then nodded toward Xiao Li.
Xiao Li nodded back, said something to Xiao Ding, and leapt from the platform, landing in the training field.
Xiao Yan had no choice but to follow, jumping down as well.
"Young Master, you never sparred with them!"
Qinglian had finally recovered and stared at Xiao Yuan like he was a master trickster.
"Drinking counts too, doesn't it? You know, 'rock, paper, scissors'... cheers... heh."
Xiao Yuan mimed a few drinking gestures.
Qinglian sighed and covered her face with one hand.
Seeing her so cute, Xiao Yuan smiled and rubbed her head again.
From the field, Xiao Li's booming laughter cut through the noise. Empowered by Dou Qi, it silenced the crowd instantly.
"Xiao Yan, your timing is perfect! Today we'll see how much our little genius has grown over the years!"
"Second Commander! Second Commander!"
After a stunned moment, the crowd erupted into cheers, their voices merging into a tidal wave of sound.
Qinglian's green eyes sparkled as she looked at the dense crowd. Then she pouted and said pitifully:
"Master, I can't see anything…"
"Hehe, let's watch from above then."
Xiao Yuan smiled, slipped his arm around Qinglian's waist, and soared upward.
He didn't notice the blissful expression on her blushing face as she nestled closer to his chest, secretly inhaling his scent with a contented sigh.
(END CHAPTER)
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