A Frightening Surprise

"Young Master, look! I can communicate with this giant serpent. I can ask it where the Heavenly Flame is!" Qinglin pointed at the Fire Spirit Snake in front of her and smiled at Xiao Yu as if seeking praise.

Xiao Yu stepped forward, gently rubbing Qinglin's head. "I've already obtained the Heavenly Flame. Look!" As he spoke, a ghostly blue flame rose from his palm.

Seeing the Heavenly Flame in Xiao Yu's hand, Qinglin's eyes showed a trace of disappointment. It seemed she felt bad for not being able to help him. However, Xiao Yu chuckled and said, "But, I still need your help with something!"

Hearing his words, Qinglin immediately lifted her delicate face and said, "Young Master, just say it! I'll do my best to help you!"

Seeing the determination in Qinglin's expression, Xiao Yu felt a warmth in his heart. Looking at the Fire Spirit Snake, he said, "It's simple. Tell it to take me to the birthplace of the Heavenly Flame underground!"

Qinglin nodded. "Alright, Young Master!" She closed her eyes and pondered for a moment before slowly opening them. "It's done, Young Master! Just follow it, and you'll get there!"

Xiao Yu nodded slightly, but Xiao Ding, looking confused, asked, "Xiao Yu, you already have the Heavenly Flame. Why are you still going there?"

Xiao Yu smiled. "The birthplace of a Heavenly Flame usually has other treasures. Since I'm here, I can't just leave empty-handed!"

With that, he turned to look at the Fire Spirit Snake. Though the snake appeared docile, that was only towards Qinglin. When it saw Xiao Yu, a flash of hatred appeared in its massive serpent eyes. Xiao Yu, however, just chuckled, unconcerned, and followed behind the Fire Spirit Snake, diving straight into the magma.

Following the Fire Spirit Snake to the bottom of the underground cavern, Xiao Yu finally saw the cyan lotus platform and the Earth Flame Lotus Seed, known as the essence of fire spirits. These were precious treasures. With a flick of his hand, the Green Lotus Core Flame turned into a blade of fire, cleanly slicing the lotus platform from its base. Then, he carefully collected the Earth Flame Lotus Seeds into a jade bottle.

After completing everything, Xiao Yu turned back and retraced his steps to leave the underground cavern.

Splash!

A sound of breaking water echoed. The people on the shore finally saw Xiao Yu resurface.

Xiao Yu smiled. "Alright, it's done. Let's go!"

Everyone nodded. Staying in this eerie place for too long was unbearably hot. However, they cast curious glances at the Fire Spirit Snake that had followed Xiao Yu out. Unexpectedly, Qinglin whistled towards the lava lake. A sudden burst of cyan light flashed from the forehead of the two-headed Fire Spirit Snake. In an instant, its massive body rapidly shrank and transformed into a streak of cyan light, shooting into Qinglin's sleeve.

Xiao Li stared in shock. "It can do that?"

Qinglin patted her sleeve, a small smile appearing on her face. She softly said, "No mischief, or if Young Master gets angry, I'll abandon you!"

"Hiss!" The Fire Spirit Snake let out a faint hiss, seemingly a little disgruntled.

"Hehe." Qinglin giggled, covering her mouth with her small hands, then playfully glanced at Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu shook his head with a light chuckle. "You really are lucky, having a magical beast equivalent to a Dou Ling following you!"

Hearing Xiao Yu's words, Little Doctor Fairy and the others nodded in agreement. However, Qinglin thought to herself, Meeting Young Master is my real stroke of luck!

Without lingering, the group headed out. As they gradually left, the underground cavern returned to eternal silence.

Back on the surface, they didn't delay. With their mission complete—the Heavenly Flame secured and their people found—there was no reason to waste more time.

After returning to Stone Desert City, Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, along with members of the Mo Tie Mercenary Group, drank with Xiao Yu. They all got completely drunk that night, and in the end, it was Qinglin who helped Xiao Yu back to his room to rest.

After tucking Xiao Yu in, Qinglin sat by the bed, quietly staring at his sleeping face. Her cheeks flushed red. Summoning her courage, she gave him a quick kiss, leaving a soft, moist lip mark on his cheek before shyly running out of the room.

That night passed peacefully.

The next morning, Qinglin, as usual, came to help Xiao Yu get up. By now, he was accustomed to being pampered by her. Under the care of her delicate hands, he enjoyed the life of a young master.

However, noticing Qinglin's blushing face, Xiao Yu was puzzled and asked, "Little girl, what's wrong with you? Your face is so red—are you sick?"

His words only made Qinglin even more embarrassed. She stammered, "N-No, nothing! Don't worry, Young Master, I'm fine."

Xiao Yu smiled warmly. "As long as you're not sick. If you ever feel unwell, just tell me—I always have medicine ready!"

"Mm." Qinglin lowered her head and softly hummed in response. Xiao Yu didn't think much of it. After all, she was always shy. She would probably be fine after some time.

Just as they were talking, two small snakes suddenly slithered out from Xiao Yu's bedside, startling Qinglin.

"Y-Young Master! S-Snakes! There are snakes on your bed!"

Xiao Yu glanced at them—it was Cai Die and Medusa. He calmly said, "It's fine. This is your Sister Cai Die. Don't you remember her?"

"Huh?" Qinglin's face was full of surprise, looking adorably confused.

"It's hard to explain in a few words. These two little ones—one is your Sister Cai Die, and the other is her sister!" Xiao Yu explained in a slightly convoluted way.

Qinglin nodded, half-understanding. Xiao Yu didn't elaborate further. After dressing, he went to the main hall, where Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were already waiting.

Seeing him, Xiao Li draped an arm around his shoulders and asked, "Didn't you take Sister Cai Die with you? Why haven't we seen her?"

Xiao Yu had no choice but to reveal the two little creatures hiding in his sleeves. Cai Die and Medusa curiously peeked out, coiling around his wrist.

Xiao Ding asked, "Are these little snakes your pets?"

Xiao Yu forced a smile. "They're not pets. This is Cai Die, and this is her sister."

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li were momentarily stunned.

Xiao Yu continued, "Cai Die is actually a snake woman. When we returned, she happened to evolve, so she turned into this small snake. And the other one is her sister, Medusa!"

"Oh," Xiao Ding nodded slightly, then suddenly froze. His expression went blank as he stared at Xiao Yu. "Wait… what did you just say her sister's name was?"

"Medusa," Xiao Yu replied with a grin.

Xiao Li's face turned pale as he pointed at the small snake coiled around Xiao Yu's wrist. "You mean… the Medusa? The Queen of the Snake People?"

Xiao Yu nodded. "That's right."

Xiao Li's voice trembled. "And you just… named her Medusa?"

Xiao Yu shrugged. "She was already called Medusa. What else was I supposed to call her?"

Hearing this, Xiao Li nearly fainted. Xiao Ding dryly chuckled, his mouth going dry. "Xiao Yu… you really enjoy giving us surprises!"