Chapter 74: Why Aren't You Running?

Unfortunately, the vast and terrifying aura didn't last long. It rapidly retracted back into the light barrier like receding tides. 

As the energy vanished once again, the ecstatic expressions of the snake people instantly froze, replaced with confusion and disbelief. 

Inside the light barrier, the Azure Lotus Earth Core Fire had returned to its normal size, and the Bone Spirit Cold Fire was now back inside Xiao Yu's body. The black dust in the air gradually settled. Xiao Yu saw two colorful flashes darting toward him at high speed, cutting through the air with sharp winds. In the blink of an eye, they had already reached his front.

When these two colorful flashes rushed toward him, Xiao Yu knew they meant no harm, but he still summoned the Bone Spirit Cold Fire. 

*Boom!* 

The cold white flames suddenly surged from Xiao Yu's body. The intense heat distorted the air around them, and the appearance of the Bone Spirit Cold Fire made the two colorful flashes freeze in midair. Only then did Xiao Yu clearly see the two little creatures. 

He was surprised to find that the two tiny snakes, about two centimeters long, looked exactly the same. Their bodies were covered with tiny, colorful scales, and a unique fragrance wafted from them—one that exuded elegance and nobility. 

If there was one difference, it was in their eyes: one had light purple pupils, and the other had light red pupils, both giving off a mysterious aura. 

Xiao Yu was a bit confused, thinking: *Didn't the Seven-Colored Devouring Python have seven-colored scales, purple eyes, a fragrant body, and god-like power? Why do these two seem to have evolved differently?*

But he didn't dwell on it. Looking at these two little snakes, their eyes were pure and innocent, much like newborns. Unlike other snakes, they didn't appear menacing or terrifying, but rather, incredibly cute! 

Xiao Yu quickly guessed that the one with the light purple eyes was Queen Medusa, and the one with the light red eyes was Cai Die (Color Butterfly). 

Cai Die and Queen Medusa flicked their tiny tails, staring at Xiao Yu with large eyes. They seemed hesitant, wanting to approach but also wary of the Bone Spirit Cold Fire. Xiao Yu smiled gently and dispelled the flames. 

Cai Die and Queen Medusa immediately stood upright, cautiously approaching Xiao Yu. 

Xiao Yu noticed that the purple light barrier had started to crack. Realizing it was time to leave, he took out a bottle of accompanying purple crystal essence from his spatial ring. The moment they saw the bottle, Cai Die and Queen Medusa darted toward it. Xiao Yu generously poured some essence out. 

Cai Die and Queen Medusa eagerly licked the essence with their tongues, their expressions full of satisfaction. Xiao Yu softly spoke, "Little ones, the situation is urgent. I'll take you two out of here. How about it?"

Both snakes raised their heads. Cai Die seemed to have an innate affinity for Xiao Yu, and with a flick of her tail, she slipped into his large sleeve. Queen Medusa, however, stared at Xiao Yu with a puzzled expression, still unsure about this human. But when Xiao Yu shook the bottle of purple crystal essence, she seemed to understand. 

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "Don't worry, there's enough for you too."

The light in Queen Medusa's eyes flickered, and the confusion in her gaze quickly disappeared. Xiao Yu murmured, "What, you think I can't handle you?" 

After dropping two drops of the essence into Queen Medusa's mouth, she obediently slid into the other sleeve and curled up, falling asleep. 

Xiao Yu looked up at the light barrier, which was on the verge of collapsing, and muttered, "Alright, it's time to leave."

He grabbed the lotus seat from the stone platform and hurled it toward the floating Azure Lotus Earth Core Fire. With a thought, the fire obediently entered the lotus seat. Xiao Yu grabbed the lotus seat, and with a loud *crack*, the purple light barrier shattered into countless fragments. Xiao Yu seized the opportunity, activating his **Moon Shadow Step** to escape as a blur, heading straight for the outside.

As the mist inside the barrier spilled out with the shattered barrier, it effectively blocked spiritual energy perception, giving Xiao Yu the perfect opportunity to slip away!

At this point, the snake people had completely lost track of Queen Medusa's aura. They charged madly toward the light barrier, but when they saw the small island had turned into a massive, pitch-black crater, their hearts sank. 

The three elders of the snake people were the first to rush in. After sensing the area, their expressions darkened. The Third Elder, his face gloomy, said, "There's no trace of the Queen's aura. Why has even the extraordinary fire's presence disappeared?"

The Second Elder spoke gravely, "Indeed. The extraordinary fire's presence shouldn't have vanished. The Queen's aura might only have temporarily faded. Once the Fourth Elder exits seclusion, we'll use secret methods to find the Queen's aura again."

As they spoke, Mo Bas pointed to a distant black figure and said, "Who is that?"

Everyone looked up. The Grand Elder shouted, "It's the brat who was pushed into the extraordinary fire by the Queen. He's not dead! Chase him—he must have taken the extraordinary fire with him!"

The most hot-tempered of the group, Yan Ci, erupted with a fiery aura, his voice furious, "How dare a human humiliate my snake tribe! I'll send him straight to hell!"

With that, Yan Ci shot forward like a lightning bolt toward Xiao Yu's fleeing figure. The other six leaders followed closely behind. Only Yue Mei stayed behind since her strength had not fully recovered.

Xiao Yu noticed the snake leaders pursuing him and decided he could no longer use his stealthy movements. He spread his **Purple Cloud Wings** with a powerful flap and shot into the air. The sight of him caused a stir among the snake people, and several quick-witted snake guards hurled poisoned spears at him.

But Xiao Yu's speed was too fast, and he easily dodged the spears while the seven Dou King leaders kept a tight pursuit. 

Mo Bas cursed, "What kind of movement technique is this? It's so strange—we can't even catch up!"

Yin Shi, coldly laughing, said, "This brat's just a Dou Master at best. Once we drain his energy, we can deal with him however we like."

Yan Ci growled, "Once I catch him, I'll skin him and rip his bones out!"

As Xiao Yu felt the rush of wind from his high-speed flight, he realized the Dou Kings behind him weren't in a hurry to overtake him. He quickly deduced their intentions—they were after the extraordinary fire!

Realizing he couldn't keep running, Xiao Yu abruptly stopped in the desert. His feet dug deep into the sand, leaving a deep trench. The seven Dou Kings behind him halted as well.

Mo Bas sneered, "Heh, why aren't you running anymore? What's wrong? Desperate, are you?" He was eager to see the expression of despair on his prey's face. It would bring him satisfaction, easing the frustration he felt.

Xiao Yu narrowed his eyes, knowing it was time to face them.