Medusa's body stiffened. In a flash, she appeared on the bed, pulling a blanket over herself. Her hands, hidden beneath the covers, clenched into tight fists.
Just then, a flood of memories surged into Medusa's consciousness. Previously, she only had vague impressions, but now the recollections were crystal clear, replaying vividly in her mind.
In these memories, Xiao Jietian not only hadn't harmed the Seven-Color Heaven Swallowing Python but had taken exceptional care of her, never holding back any resources. Anything beneficial to her, he fed her; even precious items like the Earth Fire Lotus Seed were given without hesitation.
It was precisely because of his meticulous care that the Seven-Color Heaven Swallowing Python developed a deep dependence on Xiao Jietian—a dependence that now influenced Medusa herself.
Due to Xiao Jietian's previous display of strength, combat prowess, and his crucial assistance during her evolution—coupled with the fact that he had seen her unclothed form during that process—a subtle fondness had already taken root within her.
Now, combined with this parasitic dependence, she found herself unable to muster the will to attack him, even feeling an involuntary attraction. This explained why, upon waking, she had appeared naked before him without flying into an immediate, murderous rage.
Otherwise, her usual self would have acted first and spoken later.
"Shameless."
As Medusa continued absorbing the little serpent's memories, some… inappropriate scenes unsuitable for young audiences flashed in her mind, causing intense internal conflict for the hitherto innocent Medusa.
Xiao Jietian was momentarily stunned by her sudden accusation, rubbing his fingers as he thought she was scolding him for his earlier actions.
"Medusa, you should realize that during your evolution, it was my unique flame that triggered a beneficial mutation for you. Isn't that a tremendous stroke of fortune?"
Xiao Jietian stood before Medusa, speaking calmly.
"Furthermore, I kept you by my side and cared for you meticulously, allowing you to recover so swiftly. So, wouldn't you say I'm your benefactor, having given you a new lease on life?"
"Hmph, so what? This Queen will never thank you. Abandon that thought."
Medusa couldn't refute him. Though she sensed something off about his reasoning, she couldn't pinpoint a counterargument.
"I'm not asking for your thanks. My suggestion is that you stay by my side a while longer. At least here, you won't be in mortal danger. With your current strength, if discovered and surrounded by enemies, who knows what hardships you might face."
"This Queen doesn't need your concern."
Medusa's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this. Xiao Jietian's words held logic. Her current power was only at the Dou King level.
A flicker of complicated emotion passed through her eyes as she looked at Xiao Jietian again, but how could her proud self ever show it?
"I'm not concerned about you. I'm concerned about the little one. She and you are one entity now."
Medusa's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly in irritation. An icy rage stirred in her heart. What a detestable man! She didn't know why she could never maintain the arrogant, aloof demeanor she had cultivated over a century in front of him.
It must be because of that damned Heaven Swallowing Python soul. It definitely had nothing to do with her.
As Medusa stewed, a set of red brocade robes materialized before her.
"These are for you. They should fit well."
Medusa looked up, her gaze lingering blankly on the clothing.
Though reluctant, her hand instinctively reached out from under the blanket and took them.
"I have no interest in clothes you provide, but seeing your sincerity, I'll reluctantly accept them."
"Also, turn around. Don't even think about peeking. If you dare, you're dead."
Though Medusa struggled to maintain her cold indifference, the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her.
Xiao Jietian immediately turned around. There was no hurry. He would first deepen his impression on her. Opportunities to look openly would come later. My proud, innocent Medusa, just obediently step into my… pond.
After the rustling sounds behind him ceased completely, Xiao Jietian turned back, his eyes lighting up.
"These clothes suit you as if tailor-made—utterly flawless."
Though the red brocade robes Medusa now wore were relatively conservative, her subtle, alluring aura combined with the modest design somehow made her even more tempting.
The most tantalizing is what remains unseen—that aura of temptation she exuded, while revealing nothing, was profoundly alluring.
Medusa lifted her chin slightly. "Hmph, do I need you to state something so obvious?"
Seeing her demeanor, Xiao Jietian found it harder to suppress his smile than controlling an AK.
"Besides 'Medusa,' do you have another name? A birth name, perhaps?"
Xiao Jietian sat on a chair, looking at Medusa with a slight smile.
"Medusa is my name, and it is my identity."
Though uncertain why Xiao Jietian asked this, Medusa still answered.
"Then, are we friends?"
Xiao Jietian rested his chin on his hand, asking Medusa with a gentle smile.
"Friends? That word is too foreign to me. But if you behave… perhaps I might reconsider."
Medusa slightly turned her head, avoiding Xiao Jietian's gaze, and muttered softly.
The word 'friend' was incredibly alien to Medusa. From birth until now, no one had ever spoken to her of friendship.
Xiao Jietian naturally heard her muttering. Though soft, this was a cultivation world, after all.
"Since we're friends, how about I help choose a name for you? Otherwise, calling you 'Medusa' outside would reveal your identity."
"Hmm… how about Fei Yan? 'Fei Yan' means a light, ethereal red mist, giving a sense of beauty yet elusiveness. You often wear red brocade, which perfectly matches your temperament."
Medusa paused upon hearing this, then quickly recovered. "Tch, so annoying! Don't bother me unless it's important. And next time you do those… indecent things, keep me farther away."
Medusa's figure instantly vanished from the bed, transforming back into the original Seven-Color Heaven Swallowing Python.
You tsundere little devil—'so annoying, hahaha!' Xiao Jietian nearly laughed aloud internally but dared not. Otherwise, Medusa—no, Fei Yan now—might truly beat him up.
"Hmm, these past three days have been remarkably fruitful. Even this ticking time bomb has been defused, at least for now."
Taking stock of his recent gains, Xiao Jietian felt his entire being, body and mind, filled with joy. He felt exceptionally motivated.
Walking to the bed, he picked up the Seven-Color Heaven Swallowing Python. Currently, the little one's soul was in control, still absorbing energy. Sensing someone holding her, the little serpent cracked open an eye.
Seeing it was her master holding her, she coiled contentedly around his arm.
"System, open panel."
Host: Xiao Jietian
Physique: Five-Elemental Thunder God Body, Nirvana Devil Emperor Soul Body, Nine Yang Dragon God Body
Realm: Three-Star Dou King
Cultivation Method: Five Elements Heavenly Thunder Art, Soul Cultivation Method: Nine Nether Devil Soul Refining Technique
Heavenly Flame: Life Spirit Purifying Devouring Fate Lotus Flame
Dou Techniques: …, Void Piercer Art (300 meters), Flight Dou Technique: Golden Feathered Sky Wings (Includes skill: Golden Wings · Heavenly Thunder Descent), Time-Space Tribulation, Profound Moon Shattering Heaven Finger (Heaven-tier, low-grade)
Items: …Heaven-Punishing Ancestral Sword, Heaven Smiting Halberd, Heavenly Flame upgrading Card, Youth Preservation Pill x2, Dou Emperor Peak Experience Card x2, Advanced Dou Zong Experience Card x2, Dou Ling Pill x11, Eight-Grade Dragon Marrow Blood Nourishing Pill x1, Message Stone x96, Space Sealing Talisman x2, Soul Control Talisman x1, Thunder Origin x1, Earth Fire Lotus Seed x4, various medicinal herbs,.